MX23RW : Monday, November 25 17:35:37| >> :600:98886:98886:
[monks data]
Europa League | Second Qualifying Round
Sep 17, 2020 at 7.30pm UK
SR-Bank Arena
Aberdeen logo

Viking FK
0 - 2
Aberdeen

FT(HT: 0-1)
McCrorie (45'), Hedges (78')
Considine (72')

Derek McInnes eyeing Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon

Derek McInnes wants to use the lure of a clash against the 18-time Portuguese champions to spur his team on.

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes admits he is already looking past Europa League opponents FK Viking to a potential dream date with Sporting Lisbon.

The Dons manager usually preaches a one-game-at-a-time mantra but is ready to make an exception for the Portuguese giants.

Victory in Norway on Thursday night will book the Reds a third qualifying round trip to the Estsdio Jose Alvalade.

And McInnes wants to use the lure of a clash against the 18-time Portuguese champions to spur his team onto victory when they run out in Stavanger.

He said: "I think we've got to mention what's waiting in the next round because it's not every year you get to take on Sporting Lisbon.

"I think it's a real prize for both teams to get through.

"I want to experience it as a manager, I want my players to play against a good side like them in that kind of environment.

"So absolutely it will be mentioned but clearly the job in hand is tomorrow night.

"We've always dealt with these games pretty well in terms of the focus from the team.

"It will be a tough game but that motivation is there for both teams to get through and take on a club like Sporting Lisbon."

McInnes' team have bounced back from losing their Premiership opener to Rangers, winning five games on the bounce.

They have shipped just two goals all season but face a Viking outfit who have steadied the ship after a slow start.

Bjarne Berntsen's team have blasted 15 goals in their last five games but McInnes can see vulnerabilities in their ranks.

He said: "I've seen Viking play extremely well in certain games. They have not been as consistent as they'd like this season but their recent run of form has been a bit more healthy.

"They are sitting eighth in the league right now and have some good players.

"They certainly know how to score goals and have some good attacking threat, which are clear and obvious. We need to be aware of that.

"There can be a trade off with teams who are quite expansive and they can concede goals by leaving themselves a bit open.

"But Viking have scored more goals than they have conceded in their last 10 games so they a team who open up. Whether they're that team tomorrow who knows?

"We feel we have an attacking threat too at the minute and it's important we show that side tomorrow night."

ID:414577: cacheID:414577:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3854:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
General view of Aberdeen's Pittodrie Stadium from 2008
Read Next:
Matty Kennedy: 'Prospect of facing Sporting Lisbon a huge motivation for Aberdeen'
>
Read more about Derek McInnes Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Lazio440012
2Ajax431010
3Anderlecht431010
4Frankfurt431010
5Galatasaray431010
6Spurs43019
7FCSB43019
8Lyon42117
9Rangers42117
10Olympiacos42117
11Bodo/Glimt42117
12Midtjylland42117
13Ferencvaros42026
14Man Utd41306
15Plzen41306
16AZ42026
17Besiktas42026
18Hoffenheim41215
19Roma41215
20Fenerbahce41215
21Elfsborg41124
22Braga41124
23Porto41124
24Slavia Prague41124
25Real Sociedad41124
26Malmo41033
27FC Twente40313
28Qarabag41033
29Union SG40222
30Nice40222
31RFS40222
32Ludogorets40131
33PAOK40131
34Athletic Club00000
35M. Tel Aviv40040
36Dynamo Kiev40040


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!