Sporting Lisbon team news: Predicted line up vs Maritimo – Man Utd target Fernandes axed
Bruno Fernandes could to be dropped from the Sporting Lisbon squad when the Portuguese giants take on Maritimo as he edges closer to joining Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes 'could change the fortunes of Man Utd' says fan
Bruno Fernandes may be left out of the Sporting Lisbon squad for tonight’s clash with Maritimo as the playmaker nears a move to Manchester United. The Portuguese ace has been locked in talks with the Old Trafford club over a January switch and could well have played his last match for the Verde e Branco.
Sporting slipped to a disappointing defeat to SC Braga last time out, losing 2-1 in the Taca da Liga semi-final at the Estadio Municipal de Braga.
Four players were sent off during the fractious affair, in which Sporting conceded a 90th-minute goal to end their cup hopes.
Fernandes played the entire match on Tuesday night, having also completed 90 minutes in the Derby de Lisboa loss against Benfica.
Both games had been touted as Fernandes’ potential final appearance for Sporting, with the 25-year-old expected to complete a big-money move to United earlier this month.
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Luiz Phellype has established himself as first-choice striker ahead of Jese and Jovane Cabral, so the Brazilian is expected to lead the line once more.
However, Luciano Vietto is injured and Marcos Acuna is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Additionally, Yannick Bolasie was shown a red card last time out against Braga so Rafael Camacho and Gonzalo Plata will operate in advanced roles out wide.
Eduardo Henrique and Jeremy Mathieu were also dismissed in midweek and will serve suspensions, meaning Sebastien Coates will be joined by Tiago Ilori in central defence.
Sporting Lisbon team news: Fernandes has been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United (Image: GETTY)
Cristian Borja should get the nod at left-back while Stefan Ristovski will start on the opposite side of the back four.
Finally, Renan Ribeiro is available once again but Luis Maximiano could continue between the posts if Sporting manager Silas opts for consistency.
Sporting are in something of a slump, having won just once in their past three matches across all competitions.
And the loss of Fernandes will not help matters with the playmaker having scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists so far this season.
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United are believed to have upped their offer for the Sporting captain after their opening bid was rejected.
There have been contrasting reports as to the value of that initial offer but Portuguese newspaper O Jogo claimed it was £38million (€45m) plus £12.7m (€15m) in add-ons.
Earlier in the week the publication reported that United agreed to up their lump sum to £42m (€50m) after talks with Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho.
And O Jogo now report that United will formally table a £46m (€55m) bid in attempt to secure their priority January target.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas still wants £50.6m (€60m), but there is the expectation that a deal will be agreed before Friday’s deadline.
Sporting Lisbon team news: Is this how Sporting will line up against Maritimo? (Image: buildlineup.com)
Sporting Lisbon predicted line-up vs Maritimo – Primeira Liga