Doumbia benched? Borges may spring two surprises for Sporting | OneFootball

Rui Borgesmay make a few changes to Sporting’s starting eleven for the visit of Galatasaray (who will be without Victor Osimhen), scheduled for this Wednesday at 8:00 pm at Alvalade, in the opening round of the league phase of the Champions League. With more options available in the squad, the Sporting manager has room to manage the players’ physical workload and could spring a few surprises.

One of the main doubts is in central defence, where Eduardo Quaresma is a strong candidate to regain his place in the starting lineup, according to newspaper 'A Bola'. The centre-back could come in for Zeno Debast and once again form a partnership with Gonçalo Inácio.

Debast’s possible omission is mainly linked to the need to manage the defender’s workload, as he recently returned from injury. At this early stage of the season, and with the demands of the Champions League added to the domestic schedule, Rui Borges wants to avoid physical overload.

There could also be a new face in midfield. Silas Andersen is in contention and could be picked by the Sporting coach in place of Issa Doumbia, who has been a regular starter for the Lions alongside Sergi Altimira.

The idea is to make a specific and carefully planned rotation. Sporting have a deeper squad this season, allowing the coach to protect certain players without losing competitiveness. Against Galatasaray, Eduardo Quaresma and Silas Andersen are therefore two of the players pushing for an opportunity.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.