Sporting CP vs Rio Ave Prediction: The Leões Are Overwhelming Favorites To Put On Board Another Three-Pointer

Sporting CP, who picked up their first three points against Sturm Graz in the Europa League opener, now turn their attention to the Primeira Liga, where they have yet to suffer a loss as they play host to Rio Ave at the Estádio José Alvalade in the sixth round.

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Sporting CP vs. Rio Ave, probable lineups, match facts, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Sporting CP

Form: WDWWW

Sporting CP have experienced the opposite of what you may call a wretched start to the campaign, as they have been impressive in their own right thus far.

Their 3-0 win at home against Moreirense on matchday five extended their unbeaten run in the Primeira Liga to five matches, recording four wins and a draw.

Success was inevitable for the Leões in their most recent match against SK Sturm Graz on the first matchday of the Europa League, as goals from Viktor Gyökeres and Ousmane Diomande in the latter stages saw them secure a 2-1 triumph, picking up their first three points in Group D.

They currently occupy second place with 13 points, behind first-placed Boavista and third-placed FC Porto.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

A. Adan; O. Diomande, S. Coates, G. Inacio; G. Catamo, D. Braganca, H. Morita, N. Santos; P. Goncalves, V. Gyoekeres, Paulinho

Rio Ave

Form: DDLLW

After playing out a 1-1 draw against Casa Pia on the road, Rio Ave managed to secure another point in their most recent match against Famalicao at home, following a 1-1 draw.

This has extended their winless run in the league to four matches, where two draws and two losses have been recorded.

Luis Freire's men have struggled when playing on the road this season, which led to their demise in the second leg of the Taça da Liga against FC Arouca, losing 2-0. They are currently on a three-match winless run away from home in all competitions, recording two losses and a draw.

They currently occupy thirteenth place with five points in the standings, one point ahead of the relegation zone and level on points with fourteenth-placed FC Vizela and fifteenth-placed Portimonense SC. Their aspirations for an eighth-place finish are hindered by a two-point deficit.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Magrao; A. Santos, R. Pantalon, S. Alves; Costinha, A. Oudrhiri Idrissi, Guga, F. Ronaldo; Joca, A. Pereira, Ze Manuel

Match Facts

• Sporting CP are currently on a three-match winning streak when playing at home in the Primeira Liga.
• Rio Ave have only kept one clean sheet in their five Primeira Liga matches.
• Sporting CP averages 2 goals per game when playing at home, and Rio Ave averages 1.1 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 41 meetings, Sporting CP has won 25 times, Rio Ave has won 7 times, and there have been 9 draws, with the goal difference being 71-36 in favor of Sporting CP.

Expert Betting Tips

Sporting CP's performance in the league has yet to be marred by a loss, painting a side that is high on confidence, and their chances of success in this fixture seem likely given that they have won four consecutive matches while avoiding defeat in six matches.

Rio Ave have failed to win their last two away matches against Sporting CP, picking up a draw and a loss. In their last eleven away matches, they have two wins to their name and are likely to struggle in this one in a bid for a favorable outcome.

Sporting CP are overwhelming favorites with bookmakers to secure maximum points, and despite coming off of continental action, fatigue shouldn't be a problem in this one where a commanding victory is just 90 minutes away from happening.

• Multicorners - Over 24.5 for 2.00
• W1 & TU 3.5 for 2.05
• Total 2 - Under 0.5 for 1.65