CL Preview: Basel - Sporting CP

It's a "meaningless" game at St. Jakob-Park, meaning that even the most talented ticket-seller has a real job on their hands to hype this one up to the punter.

Sporting will finish 2nd and Basel 4th in their group regardless of what happens in Group C on Tuesday evening, so there is just pride - and the small matter of UEFA prize money - to play for.

Sporting won the first match between the sides this season 2-0 back in Lisbon, while Basel have still managed just one point in their entire European campaign.

But both sides converge in terms of league form, which isn't going as well as hoped. The Portuguese outfit are third in their Liga, three points off leaders Benfica and one behind surprise front-runners Leixoes, who beat Sporting last month.

Basel are one point behind current leaders FC Zurich in the Swiss Super League, with coach Christian Gross feeling the heat after the 2-0 loss at Neuchatel Xamax two matches ago.
TEAM NEWS

Basel

Scott Chipperfield could return to the squad ahead of schedule, although Marcos Gelabert, Ronny Hodel and David Abraham are likely to miss out. Coach Christian Gross may rotate in Fabian Frei, Pascal Schuerpf, Michel Morganella and other youth prospects either as starters or substitutes.

Probable Starting XI: Stockli; Zanni, Marque, Ferati, Safari; Ergic, Stocker, Frei, Eduardo, Carlitos; Derdiyok.

Sporting

Rui Patricio is out suspended after his sending-off against Barcelona in Matchday 5. Tonel and Fabio Rochemback could make their respective returns from injury, but Pedro Silva is set to miss out again while Abel remains doubtful. Youngsters such as Daniel Carrico are expected to feature while Paulo Bento uses this match to try out some new ideas.

Probable Starting XI: Tiago; Pereirinha, Carrico, Anderson Polga, Caneira; Miguel Veloso, Fábio Rochemback, Joao Moutinho, Izmailov; Derlei, Vukcevic.