Sporting Lisbon vs Besiktas JK - Jorge Jesus expecting tough examination by Besiktas
Posted Thursday, December 10, 2015 by PA
Sporting coach Jorge Jesus knows his side have left themselves with little margin for error if they are to reach the last 32 of the Europa League with a positive result against Besiktas.
The Portuguese side are in third place, a point behind Lokomotiv Moscow and two back from leaders Besiktas.
Victory at the Estadio Jose Alvalade would put Sporting through, as could a draw were the Russians to lose at already-eliminated Skenderbeu of Albania, given their better head-to-head record.
Besiktas, meanwhile, only need to avoid defeat to qualify, but would miss out if they are beaten and Lokomotiv win.
Jesus' men recorded a 4-2 victory in Moscow last month and called for a repeat performance in front of their own fans on Thursday night.
"We achieved what we needed to in Moscow - we had to win to keep fighting and we did," he said. "Now we face a real final against Besiktas."
Sporting have lost only one of their last six home European fixtures, which was against Lokomotiv on matchday one in September.
Colombia striker Teofilo Gutierrez could be available having returned to training following three weeks out with a hernia problem.
Defender Ewerton has been struggling with a hip injury, so is doubtful.
Besiktas will be hoping winger Gokhan Tore shrugs off a knee problem, but defender Ersan Gulum (thigh) is out.
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