Preview: Sporting Lisbon vs. Manchester City

Manchester City switch attentions from their domestic campaign to a Europa League clash with Sporting Lisbon on Thursday.

The two sides are expected to field strong teams with Sporting likely to start former Liverpool full-back Emiliano Insua as well as 23-year-old striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

As for Manchester City, Sergio Aguero and David Silva were rested for City's 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at the weekend, which indicates that they could feature in Portugal.

With Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta doubtful for the European contest, Kolo Toure could get a start under Roberto Mancini.

Current form:

Sporting Lisbon: LDWWWL Manchester City: WWWWWW

Possible lineups:

Sporting Lisbon: Patricio; Pereira, Polga, Rodriguez, Insua; Carrico, Schaars, Fernandez, Izmailov; Wolfswinkel, Carrillo

Manchester City: Hart; Kolo, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; De Jong, Barry, Yaya, Silva; Dzeko, Aguero

Sports Mole says: 1-2