Rio Ave host Sporting on Monday night in a clash that could have significant implications in the race for second place in the league standings. The Vila do Conde side have already secured their top-flight status and are now aiming for the best possible finish, while Rui Borges’ Sporting are still battling for the coveted second spot, which guarantees a spot in the Champions League.
Looking at the numbers regarding the battle for the runner-up position, Sporting and Benfica are currently tied on 76 points in the league table. However, José Mourinho’s team, who host Sp. Braga at the same time, hold the advantage in the head-to-head record. Therefore, Rui Borges’ side must do their part and hope that their rivals slip up either tonight or in the final matchday at Estoril.
Borges: “I liked what I saw from Rio Ave, they grew in the second half of the season”
For tonight’s game, Rui Borges confirmed that Fresneda, Hjulmand, and Ioannidis are unavailable, with João Simões also out, while Nuno Santos remains a doubt.
Given these constraints, Rui Borges is expected to field a lineup very similar to the one that thrashed Vitória 5-1 at Alvalade last time out, with Eduardo Quaresma on the right side of defense and Daniel Bragança alongside Morita in midfield.
Silaidopoulos: “We need to be at our best to beat Sporting”
On the home side, Sotiris Silaidopoulos will once again have Andreas Ntoi available, who served a one-match suspension in the goalless draw against Gil Vicente. The Greek midfielder is likely to reclaim his spot alongside Tamás Nikitscher.
Otherwise, the Greek coach is set to maintain the structure that has allowed the Vila do Conde team to climb the table in the second half of the season and secure their place in the top flight.
It’s worth recalling that in the first-leg encounter at Alvalade, Sporting cruised to a 4-0 victory, with a hat-trick from Luis Suárez and a goal from Maxi Araújo.
Check out the probable lineups in the gallery below.