Tottenham vs Sporting Lisbon Champions League Preview

Following a winning start in London last week, Tottenham Hotspur continue their Champions League campaign with a trip to Sporting Lisbon.

After two years outwith Europe’s top competition, two goals from Richarlison saw Antonio Conte’s side kick off Group D with three points making the best possible start.

Although, it was hardly a convincing performance as despite Chancel Mbemba’s early second-half dismissal left Marseille with 10 men, Spurs took a while to capitalise on their profound advantage.

Nevertheless, we claimed an important three points and dusted off any Champions League cobwebs that may have been privy, so now Conte’s side will be ready to face Sporting Lisbon on matchday two.

After the postponement of last weekend’s Premier League trip to Manchester City, a week’s rest should see Tottenham enter this one in peak condition.

In truth, this could be beneficial to Spurs, as a trip to City is arguably the toughest test in English football, and is certainly not ideal prior to a Champions League away game.

After beating Eintracht Frankfurt by three goals to nil on matchday one, Sporting Lisbon may have established themselves as our biggest rivals for topping the group.

But domestically, the Portuguese side’s early season form has been mixed, as three wins, a draw, and two losses in Liga Nos leaves them seventh.

Sporting’s biggest threat is arguably versatile attacker Pedro Goncalves, as the forward already boasts four league goals and will be keen to carry this form into Europe.

However, former Wolves loanee and ex-Spurs starlet Francisco Trincao and Marcus Edwards will also be on Conte’s radar, as the duo both scored in last week’s Champions League clash and will be eager to continue their form.

In last season’s group stages, a trip to Sporting was no easy feat, as the Portuguese side won two of their three home games with 4-0 and 3-1 victories over Besiktas and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

However, if Tottenham harbours aspirations of topping the group, as they likely will, we must come away with at least a point.

Conte will know that although challenging, away games are crucial in the Champions League as if we can take anything home, we simultaneously damage the opposition and strengthen our case for qualification.

Tuesday night is bound to be a tough test against a well set-up team, but Tottenham must hope their superior quality shines through and allows us to take at least one, if not all three points.

Following the weekend’s postponement, fans and players alike will be eager to see Tottenham return to action, and hopefully continue our winning start to Group D.