Charles De Ketelaere admits Atalanta require ‘different things’ from him as a striker, but the key is to ‘press Sporting and not give them time on the ball.’
It kicks off at the Estadio Alvalade at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
Gianluca Scamacca has recovered quicker than expected from a muscular issue and is on the bench for the first time in almost a month, leaving only El Bilal Toure on the treatment table.
Sporting captain Sebastian Coates is not ready to start, with Trincao and Jerry St. Juste out of action.
Both teams won their opening fixtures in the Europa League, so this is a head-to-head for the top of the group.
“It is a bit early to say that, but it is an important game for the group, as there are only six and so every result is important to reach the next phase,” De Ketelaere told Sky Sport Italia.
Gian Piero Gasperini makes only one change from the side that drew 0-0 with Juventus in Serie A at the weekend, bringing in Sead Kolasinac for Rafael Toloi in defence.
“We always aim to win and it did not happen on Sunday, but we played a great game and want to continue like this.”
With the forwards injured, De Ketelaere has been used as a striker with Ademola Lookman, so do the two roles change much for the ex-Milan man?
“They are different things I need to do and that the coach asks of me. We intend to press Sporting and not give them time on the ball. I wanted to prove myself in my first game here and every match is no different.”