Sporting vs Rio Ave Match Prediction

TABLE WITH ODDS OF POPULAR BOOKMAKERS

Bookmakers	1	X	2	Under 2.5	Over 2.5
	1.207	6.9	13	2.54	1.43	Bonus	400$
	1.205	6.85	12.5	2.54	1.43	Bonus	90€
	1.17	6	12.5	2.63	1.43	Bonus	100%
	1.205	6.85	12.5	2.54	1.43	Bonus	300€
	1.161	7.9	16	2.68	1.39	Bonus	+100%

In the first round of the new season of the Portuguese Primeira, the reigning champion Sporting will take on a tough mid-table side Rio Ave. “Lions” are approaching the start of the championship in the rank of the main favourite, having retained the champion’s backbone and strengthened the squad. “Riu Ave” last season was extremely unstable, alternating successful matches with failed ones.

Odds for Sporting vs Rio Ave

The home team are considered the unqualified favourites for this clash, as evidenced by the bookmakers’ quotes. The odds of the victory of the “lions” do not exceed 1.20, while the success of the guests is estimated by high odds in the range of 12 – 13. A draw is also unlikely, with odds ranging from 6 to 6.9.

Such a clear advantage for Sporting is easy to explain. “Lions” in the off-season retained the championship core and strengthened in several lines. The team is in great shape, which proved with convincing victories in friendly matches. Riu Ave, on the other hand, still looks like a rather raw team that will need time to play and adapt to the newcomers.

Sporting vs Rio Ave Match Prediction

“The Lions are approaching the start of the season as the main favourites, having retained their championship core and strengthened their squad. Last season, Ruben Amorim’s team secured the title ahead of schedule with several crucial victories in the end.

Alternatively, Rio Ave had an extremely unstable performance last season, alternating between good and bad matches. The team from Vila do Condi finished only 11th, with only two wins in the last 10 rounds.

The history of face-to-face confrontations eloquently testifies to Sporting’s advantage. In 58 matches, the “lions” won 37 victories against 6 for “Rio Ave”, scoring 115 goals and conceding only 50. The Lisbon side beat their opponents twice last season (2-0 and 3-3), but in February 2024, Rio Ave managed to break the losing streak by snatching a 3-3 draw in a thrilling game.

Bookmakers are sure of Sporting’s victory, offering paltry odds in the region of 1.16-1.207. The success of Rio Ave is estimated at 12 to 13.

Considering Sporting’s status, chemistry and superior personnel, the most likely outcome is a confident victory for the reigning champion with a 2-3 goal difference. “Lions” will try to seize the lead from the first rounds and prove the seriousness of their intentions to defend the title. And Rio Ave, despite their fighting spirit, is unlikely to be able to cope with the powerful attack of the favourite.

Recent official meetings

Sporting

“Sporting Lisbon are approaching the new season as Portuguese champions. Last season, the Lions secured the title ahead of schedule.

At the end of the championship, Sporting won several important victories that allowed them to retain first place. The Lions dealt with “Chaves” (3:0), “Estoril” (0:1), “Portimonence” (3:0), “Vitoria Guimarães” (3:0) and “Gil Vicente” (0:4). The only serious competitor for the Lisboners was FC Porto, with whom they played a 2-2 draw.

The key moment of the end of the season for Sporting was the 2-1 away win over Benfica. This result allowed the Lions to overtake the Eagles in the standings. Ruben Amorim’s side showed real championship character.

In the Portuguese Cup, Sporting reached the final but lost to Porto in extra time (1-1, 1-2). The lost trophy has certainly left an unpleasant residue, but the overall picture of the season for the “lions” still looks positive. The team fought for victory on all fronts.

Rio Ave

Last season, Rio Ave performed extremely unstable. The team from Vila do Condi alternated good matches with bad ones, which resulted in finishing only in 11th place in the standings. The end of the championship turned out to be quite faded.

In the last ten Primera Division matches, Riu Ave has only two wins – over Vitoria Guimarães (2:1) and Gil Vicente (3:0). And if the success in the game with the Roosters looks quite natural, the victory over the Conquistadores was somewhat unexpected, given that the opponent at that time was fighting for a place in the European Cup.

The other 8 games ended in a draw. There were 0:0, 1:1 and 2:2 draws.

Before the start of the new season, Rio Ave will have to undergo a major rebuild. The team needs to strengthen the attacking line to expect progress in the standings. The club from Vila do Condi has potential, which is proved by the successful defensive play. But it is not enough to fight for a place in the top 10.

History of head-to-head confrontations

“Sporting Lisbon and Rio Ave have already played 58 matches in different tournaments. The statistics of face-to-face meetings show a clear superiority of the Lisbon club: 37 wins against 6 for Rio Ave, as well as 115 goals, scored against 50 for the team from Vila do Condi.

In the 2023/2024 season, the Lions won 2-0 at home. However, in February 2024, Rio Ave managed to break Sporting’s losing streak with a 3-3 draw in a thrilling Portuguese league match. However, Rio Ave’s last win over Sporting dates to February 2020.

Predictions for Liga Portugal matches

All predictions for Liga Portugal matches can be found in the section «Liga Portugal Predictions».