Sporting Lisbon land a golden chance to move up their title chase this week in Primeira Liga. The side travel to take on Rio Ave on Wednesday at the Estadio dos Arcos with kickoff at 11:15 pm.
The league leaders took a step closer to their title chase on Saturday following a triumphant 2-0 win over Nacional. On the other hand, the host’s survival bid took a turn for the better with a 0-0 draw to Portimonsense last time out.
Relegation battles are causing plenty of sleepless nights for Miguel Cardoso’s side. Moreover, they failed to break the deadlock in what could have been a crucial victory. What makes the draw disappointing was that they dominated most of the game.
The goalless draw stretched their winless run to eight games in the top flight. In addition, Ave suffered losses to bottom sides Maritimo and Gil Vicente. In their last eight games, the home side picked up six points while only netting five goals.
On the other hand, Sporting Lisbon, who are close to lifting the 19th Primier Liga in the club’s history, is different. Moreover, it will mark their first win since 2002. Ruben Amorim’s men got their heads on track in their title bid with consecutive wins into Wednesday’s game. However, their title runs fascinating because they are on an unbeaten streak after 30 matches.
Rio Ave vs Sporting Lisbon Head to Head
Both sides have 31 games against each other, with Rio Ave taking six wins while Sporting Lisbon with 18 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Portimonsense 0-0 Rio Ave
- Rio Ave 1-1 Pacos de Ferreira
- Maritimo 1-0 Rio Ave
- Rio Ave 0-0 Sporting Braga
- Boavista 3-3 Rio Ave
Away
- Sporting CP 2-0 CD Nacional
- Sporting Braga 0-1 Sporting CP
- CP 2-2 Balenenses SAD
- SC Francense 0-1 Sporting CP
- Moreirense 1-1 Sporting CP
Rio Ave Team News
A major boost for the hosts is the return of veteran left-back Ivo Pinto, who served a suspension in their last time out with a red card. In addition, Fabio Coentrao is enjoying a new life with an attacking role on the right-wing.
Sporting CP Team News
Antonio Adan makes a return to the starting lineup after serving a suspension in their last time out. He takes his role from Luis Maximiano. Center back Goncalo Inacio is also back from suspension.
Prediction and Odds
Even though the home side is in grave need of a win, the league leaders are far better positioned to win.
Sporting Lisbon Win
Goals Under 2.5
No Goals: Home
