If Aston Villa don't help, Sporting know potential big-name foes | OneFootball

Sporting are still in limbo over the start of their European campaign next season, and this Wednesday could prove decisive in defining the Lions’ path to the Champions League. The green-and-whites are awaiting the outcome of the Europa League final between Aston Villa and Freiburg, hoping that Unai Emery’s side win the trophy and finish fourth in the Premier League.

If that scenario is confirmed, Sporting will go straight into the Champions League league phase as the highest-ranked non-champion club among those currently set for the qualifying rounds. If not, Rui Borges’ side will have to play in the third qualifying round and possibly the play-off for access to Europe’s richest competition, forcing the squad to start the season earlier in a summer affected by the World Cup.

The Lions also already know some of their possible opponents if they do have to go through qualification. In the third qualifying round, Sporting will be seeded thanks to their UEFA coefficient of 84,000 points. Among the possible opponents already confirmed are NEC Nijmegen and Sparta Prague, while teams such as Fenerbahçe, Sturm Graz, Heart of Midlothian or even the Polish runners-up could also appear.

Another possible scenario involves Union Saint-Gilloise and Olympiakos. The Belgians currently appear to be the most likely option, although everything still depends on the title race in Belgium. Among the seeded teams, alongside Sporting, will be sides such as Lyon and Bodø/Glimt.

In the possible play-off, the situation could become even more demanding. Sporting will remain seeded, but could face teams such as Bodø/Glimt or Olympiakos, depending on the final outcome of the leagues and earlier qualifying rounds. Lyon could also join that group if Club Brugge are not crowned Belgian champions.

The draw for the third qualifying round is scheduled for July 20, even before the previous round has been completed. The matches will be played on August 4 or 5 and August 11, dates that could force the Lions to bring forward the start of pre-season significantly if Aston Villa fail to directly “open” the doors of the Champions League for Sporting.

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