SPORTS

Sporting Vs Barcelona: Tv Channel, Stream, Kick-Off Time, Odds, Line-up & Match Preview

Published

7 years ago

September 27, 2017

Sporting Vs Barcelona: Tv Channel, Stream, Kick-Off Time, Odds & Match Preview

Ernesto Valverde’s side will look to stretch their winning streak to eight games when they take on the Portuguese giants

Barcelona can make it two wins from two in the Champions League when they face Sporting in Lisbon on Wednesday.

The Liga giants got their continental campaign off to a stunning start by easily seeing off the challenge of Juventus at Camp Nou and they now have an opportunity to go three points clear at the top of Group D.

Barca are on a seven-match winning streak, but Sporting will be no pushovers and showed that they have plenty of resilience by holding off a late fight-back from Olympiakos to pick up a big win in Greece on matchday one.

Game	Sporting vs Barcelona
Date	Wednesday, September 27
Time	19:45 BST / 14:45 ET

TV CHANNEL & LIVE STREAM

In the UK, the game will be available to watch live on television on BT Sport Extra 3, as well as being available to stream live on the BT Sport app.

UK TV channel	Online stream
BT Sport Extra 3	BT Sport app

In the US, viewers can watch the game live on television on FS2 and it will also be available to stream online using Fox Sports Go or the Fox Soccer Match Pass.

US TV channel	Online stream
FS2	Fox Sports Go / Match Pass

SQUADS & TEAM NEWS

Position	Sporting players
Goalkeepers	Rui Patricio, Salin, P. Silva
Defenders	J. Silva, Coates, Coentrao, A. Pinto, Ristovski, Mathieu, Figueiredo, Piccini
Midfielders	B. Fernandes, Acuna, B. Cesar, W. Carvalho, Battaglia, Mattheus, Petrovic, Medeiros, Djalo, Palhinha, P. Ferreira, G. Martins, Barbosa
Forwards	Dost, Gelson, Ruiz, Podence, Doumbia, Bras, Tavares, Balde, Moreira, Leao, Cabral

Sporting have no suspensions or injury concerns heading into the game and among their ranks is former Barca defender Jeremy Mathieu.

Also included in the squad is former Real Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao.

Potential starting XI: Rui Patricio; Coentrao, Coates, Mathieu, Piccini; Carvalho, Fernandes, Cesar, Martins, Ruiz; Dost.

Position	Barcelona players
Goalkeepers	Ter Stegen, Cillessen, Ortola
Defenders	Semedo, Pique, Mascherano, J. Alba, Digne, Umtiti
Midfielders	Rakitic, Busquets, D. Suarez, Iniesta, Paulinho, Roberto, Gomes, Vidal
Forwards	L. Suarez, Messi, Deulofeu

Ernesto Valverde has taken a 20-man squad to Lisbon for the clash against Sporting, but Thomas Vermaelen, Arda Turan and Paco Alcacer have not travelled.

Barca are also without injury absentees Rafinha and Ousmane Dembele for the game.

Potential starting XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Deulofeu, Messi, Suarez.

BETTING & MATCH ODDS

Bas Dost, Sporting Portugal, Primeira Liga, 04082017

Barcelona are 4/9 favourites to win according to dabblebet, with Sporting priced at 11/2 to claim a home victory over the Catalans. A draw, meanwhile, is considered a 15/4 bet.

Lionel Messi has scored nine goals in his last five games, so he is unsurprisingly the favourite to open the scoring in Portugal at 9/5, while Luis Suarez is rated 23/10 to do so. Sporting striker Bas Dost is priced at 13/2 to score first.

GAME PREVIEW

Gerard Deulofeu Lionel Messi Barcelona

Barcelona have made an incredible start to the 2017-18 season, racing to the summit of La Liga and kicking off their Champions League campaign with an emphatic demolition of last season’s finalists Juventus. They have won seven consecutive matches since losing the Super Cup double-header to Real Madrid and, remarkably, they have done so in spite of a series of setbacks.

The departure of Neymar at the beginning of the season has barely been felt and they managed to adapt when Luis Suarez was ruled out for five weeks with an injury, but they have been dealt another blow after losing new signing Ousmane Dembele for the majority of the year.

However, with Messi leading by example – the Argentine has scored 12 goals in nine appearances in all competitions thus far – they have managed to carry on winning and they will be particularly eager to lay down a marker in Europe, where they stuttered last season before limping out at the quarter-final stage.

Sporting may not quite be at Barca’s level, but with the likes of William Carvalho and Bas Dost in their ranks, they have the capacity to threaten, so the Blaugrana will have to dig deep once more.

Culled from www.goal.com

SPORTS

FA Investigating Suspended Referee Coote For Allegedly Discussing Booking Before Match

Published

1 hour ago

November 27, 2024

Reporter

David Coote investigated by FA for booking before match | fab.ng

David Coote, a Premier League referee currently suspended, is the subject of an ongoing betting investigation by the Football Association (FA).

The investigation stems from allegations that Coote discussed giving a yellow card before a match.

According to messages from The Sun, a friend of Coote’s allegedly urged him to issue a yellow card to Ezgjan Alioski. Alisoki is a then-Leeds defender, during a Championship match against West Brom in October 2019.

Coote followed through on this advice, booking Alioski in the 18th minute for a cynical foul. Subsequently, he messaged his friend back, stating, “I hope you backed as discussed.”

Coote recently spoke to The Sun, admitting that the conversation with his friend did indeed take place. However, he insists it was merely “banter” and denies any intentional wrongdoing.

Tomorrow’s front page: Coote texted friend about yellow card before match https://t.co/eojKr0ugPv pic.twitter.com/cd8YKlkcKN

— The Sun (@TheSun) November 26, 2024

Despite the claims, the Football Association is investigating David Coote on the matter.

A spokesperson from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the refereeing body, told Sky Sports… “These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency.”

“The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations.

“We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our integrity code of conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis.

“PGMOL board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that code be proven.

“David Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process by PGMOL, separate to the investigation into this matter, which will be carried out independently by the FA.

“We will be making no further comment at this stage.”

The FA have launched a betting probe into allegations that referee David Coote discussed giving a yellow card to a Leeds United player with a friend before a match.

Coote carded Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski in the match against West Brom in October 2019. pic.twitter.com/ZS3PaK2p6V

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) November 26, 2024

Recent scandals have further tarnished Coote’s reputation. Foul-mouthed videos surfaced of him ranting against Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.

In these videos, he used derogatory language, calling Klopp a “c***” and “f****** arrogant”. As a result of this offensive behaviour, PGMOL suspended him on November 11th.

Days later, another video emerged, this time showing Coote seemingly snorting white powder in a hotel during the European Championship in Germany, where he was officiating.

This clip is believed to have been filmed on July 6th, just a day before the France-Portugal quarter-final. In response to this incident, UEFA, European football’s governing body, also suspended Coote, aligning with PGMOL’s decision.

Check out more sports updates here.

SPORTS

Mbappe Takes Reins For Real Madrid In Liverpool Clash

Published

19 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Reporter

Mbappe Takes Reins for Real Madrid in Liverpool Clash | fab.ng

With Vinicius Junior injured, Kylian Mbappe will lead Real Madrid’s attack against Liverpool. The French captain, who recently scored his first goal in five matches against Leganes, will play his preferred left-wing position.

Real Madrid, currently struggling in the Champions League, will rely on Mbappe to provide the attacking spark, especially with Vinicius out for over three weeks.

Liverpool currently leads their group, while Real Madrid sits in 18th place after disappointing results against Lille and AC Milan.

Although Mbappe has scored seven goals in La Liga, his performances haven’t met the expectations of a player of his calibre. Despite this, he believes he is gradually settling into his role at Real Madrid.

“I think I put in a good performance, I’m starting to get up to speed with my team-mates,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV after their victory over Leganes, which moved Real Madrid into second place in La Liga.

“I can play in every position and I’m ready to help the team and give my all…

“I play on the right, on the left, in the middle and with two up top. It doesn’t matter to me. I want to help the team and score goals.”

📋✅ Our squad for the match!
🆚 @LFC #UCL pic.twitter.com/7icPnnJYEF

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 25, 2024

Tactical Adjustment

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had initially resisted moving Kylian Mbappé to the left wing. He preferred to keep Vinícius Jr. in that position since it suited his playing style better. Vinícius thrives on the flank and is less effective when deployed through the middle.

However, after Mbappé struggled to score—managing just one goal in seven matches as a central striker—Ancelotti decided to make a tactical change ahead of the Leganés game.

He swapped their positions, allowing Mbappé to operate from the left while Vinícius played centrally. Despite the switch’s impact, Ancelotti explained that the decision stemmed from fitness concerns rather than strategic preference.

“Playing on the outside is more tiring than through the middle, Vinicius returned from international duty on Thursday and Mbappe was fresher than Vinicius,” said Ancelotti.

“He scored a goal with a fantastic assist from Vini Junior – they’re both improving bit by bit.”

Strategic Challenges Ahead for Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti faces crucial tactical decisions for Real Madrid’s upcoming trip to Merseyside against the Premier League leaders. With injuries depleting his squad, he must rethink his formation to maximise impact.

One option involves deploying Kylian Mbappé as part of a two-man strike force, potentially alongside Jude Bellingham. Although Bellingham played deeper this season, he was Madrid’s key attacking force last year.

🏃💨 #LeganésRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/xXSZgQuYxp

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 24, 2024

He filled the void left by Karim Benzema’s departure. Ancelotti shifted Bellingham back to midfield after Mbappé’s arrival to create balance.

However, injuries to key players like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Lucas Vázquez, coupled with long-term absences of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Éder Militão, have left Madrid thin on options.

Mbappé is already under pressure. This is due to off-field issues, including a rape investigation in Sweden (which he called “fake news”) and a financial dispute with former club PSG.

He has faced scrutiny over his form. Ancelotti defended him, criticising media speculation about the striker’s mental health as “ugly” and expressing confidence in Mbappé’s resurgence.

Mbappé’s recent goal against Leganés eased some pressure, but Madrid urgently needs him to replicate that performance against Liverpool to stay competitive.

Check out more sports news here.

SPORTS

Leicester Players Seen Partying In Denmark Just Hours After Chelsea Defeat

Published

2 days ago

November 25, 2024

Reporter

Leicester players seen partying hours after Chelsea defeat | fab.ng

People spotted Leicester City players partying in Copenhagen. This happened just hours after Chelsea defeated them. The night out came only a day before the club announced the sacking of their manager, Steve Cooper, aged 44.

On Saturday, the Foxes suffered a Premier League defeat against their former boss Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side. Despite the disappointing result, many players seemed unaffected and boarded a flight to Copenhagen shortly after the match.

According to reports from the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, the group included Jannik Vestergaard, Victor Kristiansen, Harry Winks, and Conor Coady.

We have parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.

— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 24, 2024

They were seen enjoying themselves in a lively late-night session in the Danish capital. Fan-recorded footage even showed one player humorously holding up a sign. The sign read, “Enzo I miss U,” seemingly a nod to their former coach.

The timing of the celebration raised eyebrows, especially given Leicester’s ongoing struggles. The team currently sits in 16th place in the Premier League, facing mounting pressure.

Their defeat against Chelsea only intensified scrutiny, and the players’ partying session added fuel to the fire of discontent among fans.

The club officially dismissed Steve Cooper on Sunday, just a day after the Copenhagen outing. The decision came as the Foxes continued to falter in the league, struggling to escape the lower half of the table.

The management cited poor results and lack of progress as key factors behind the move.

Fans and pundits have questioned the players’ commitment and focus, given the timing of their late-night escapades.

With Leicester facing a challenging season, the responsibility now falls on the team to regroup and prove their dedication on the field.

The next few weeks will be crucial as they search for a new manager and attempt to climb out of relegation danger.

Check out more sports updates here.