Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.

As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.

Athletic Bilbao v Sporting Lisbon
Europa League
KO 20:05, Five

HEAD-TO-HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
19 Apr 2012 Europa League Sporting Lisbon 2-1 Athletic Bilbao

PREVIEW
Seven days ago Sporting Lisbon pulled off a shock result to beat Athletic Bilbao, but the away goal could cost them dear in their bid to reach the Europa League final. Two late goals kept the Portuguese club in the tie as the Spaniards took the lead shortly after the break.

The defeat in Portugal was Athletic’s first European loss in five matches and they have reacted well in La Liga. Athletic picked up an important 1-0 win at Racing on the weekend to make sure they head into the second leg full of confidence. Marcelo Bielsa’s side remain in excellent form at home in Europe and have won all of their home games in the competition to date – four wins and four draws.

There will be further concern for the visitors as Athletic have won all their games against Portuguese clubs, while Sporting have never won a European contest in Spain. Sporting came through a tough domestic game at the weekend as they beat Nacional 3-2 with ten men. Although Sporting have been very strong at home this season, the same cannot be said when on their travels. In their past six away league games they have only scored four times and they could only manage a 1-1 draw at Metalist in the last Europa League round.

Athletic have been so strong at home in Europe this season that I like the chances of the hosts overcoming the deficit to reach the final in Romania. My advice would be to back Athletic to qualify at around 1.73 on BETDAQ.

RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back Athletic Bilbao to qualify at around 1.73 on BETDAQ: 6 points

Wednesday’s Return: -5 points
APRIL RETURN TO DATE: -34.76

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