Villarreal vs Sporting - Match Preview
21 Feb 2019 Tampines -Tanjong Pagar INTERNATIONAL CLUBS: UEFA Europa League, Knockout stage
INTERNATIONAL CLUBS: UEFA Europa League, Knockout stage
Villarreal CF
- L
- D
- D
- W
- W
vs
Sporting CP
- L
- L
- W
- L
- W
Kick-off
17:55 GMT
21 February 2019
The UEFA Europa League is back this week as the last 32 ties are rounded off with the second legs being played on Thursday evening. One of the ties that still hangs in the balance is Villarreal vs Sporting which finished 1-0 to the Spanish side in the first leg.
STATS
- Villarreal have been awful in La Liga this season as they find themselves in the relegation zone in 18th place. Their form in Europe has been much better though as they qualified top of their group and have a vital advantage in the first knockout round. That 1-0 win was made more important by the fact they netted an away goal.
- Sporting won’t be too pleased with how they have performed in the league this term as they sit 4th nine points off top spot. They actually got more points in the group stage than their upcoming opponents but came 2nd behind Arsenal who were almost faultless. It’s a big uphill task for them to turn this tie around.
- Villarreal’s lack of a star man in the league hasn’t been the same in Europe as Karl Toko Ekambi is leading the way for them with three goals and three assists.
- Despite scoring 11 goals in their games, there hasn’t been a single Sporting player who has netted more than two Europa League goals this term.
HEAD TO HEAD
The only previous meeting between the two sides came last week in the first leg and it was Villarreal who came out on top thanks to Alfonso Pedraza’s 3rd-minute goal. Marcos Acuña was sent off late on to make it even worse for the Portuguese side who are in trouble of being dumped out.
VILLARREAL NEWS
If the home side can keep a clean sheet then they will secure passage to the last 16 but if they concede two then they could struggle. They are still without Daniele Bonera but Bruno Soriano might go back into the team as he returned to training this week. Latest matches: Villarreal CF
17.02.2019
LaLiVillarreal CF
Sevilla FC
3:0
W
14.02.2019
UEFASporting CP
Villarreal CF
0:1
W
08.02.2019
LaLiReal Valladolid
Villarreal CF
0:0
D
03.02.2019
LaLiVillarreal CF
Espanyol Barcelona
2:2
D
26.01.2019
LaLiValencia CF
Villarreal CF
3:0
L
SPORTING NEWS
A first-half goal for Sporting is imperative on Thursday as they look to overturn the deficit. Acuña is obviously suspended whilst Jeremy Mathieu, Carlos Chaby and Rodrigo Battaglia are all injured. Latest matches: Sporting CP
17.02.2019
LigaSporting CP
Sporting Braga
3:0
W
14.02.2019
UEFASporting CP
Villarreal CF
0:1
L
10.02.2019
LigaCD Feirense
Sporting CP
1:3
W
06.02.2019
TacaBenfica Lisbon
Sporting CP
2:1
L
03.02.2019
LigaSporting CP
Benfica Lisbon
2:4
L
SUMMARY
It should be plain sailing for Villarreal to progress into the next round but their form has been abysmal this season and that may continue. Sporting need to score a goal so backing both teams to score might be wise while the draw looks an attractive price.
21 February 2019 - 17:55 GMT
INTERNATIONAL CLUBS: UEFA Europa League, Knockout stageAbout the author - Tampines -Tanjong Pagar
- Tampines: Tampines Football Club, also known as Tampines Rovers, is a professional soccer team based in Singapore. They compete in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and have a rich history in Singaporean football. Here are some key points to consider about Tampines:
Strengths:
- Experienced Squad: Tampines Rovers have a good mix of experienced players who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.
- Strong Attack: The team boasts several talented attacking players who are capable of creating scoring opportunities and finding the back of the net.
- Consistent Performers: Tampines Rovers have been consistently competitive in the SPL, often finishing near the top of the league table.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: At times, Tampines Rovers have shown vulnerabilities in their defense, which can lead to conceding goals.
- Inconsistency: While they have had successful campaigns in the past, there have been instances where they struggled to maintain a consistent performance level.
- Tanjong Pagar: Tanjong Pagar United Football Club is another Singaporean soccer team that participates in the Singapore Premier League. After a hiatus, they made a return to the league in recent years. Here's an assessment of Tanjong Pagar:
Strengths:
- Resurgence: After their return to the SPL, Tanjong Pagar has shown resilience and determination to re-establish themselves as a competitive team.
- Young Talent: The team has invested in young players, giving them opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
- Fighting Spirit: Tanjong Pagar has displayed a never-give-up attitude, often putting up spirited performances even against stronger opponents.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Squad Depth: Tanjong Pagar may face challenges due to a relatively smaller squad and fewer resources compared to some other teams in the league.
- Defensive Fragility: The team has struggled with defensive solidity at times, leading to conceding goals more frequently.
Overall, Tampines Rovers have a stronger track record and a more established presence in the Singapore Premier League. They possess experienced players and have a history of competitive performances. On the other hand, Tanjong Pagar is a team that has been rebuilding and showing signs of progress. While they may face challenges, they have displayed resilience and a commitment to improvement.
It's important to note that soccer teams' performance can vary over time, so it's always a good idea to keep up with the latest news and updates on their progress.
https://www.tipstersportal.com/
Share your opinion about this preview by leaving a comment below.