Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The Portuguese Cup semi-final will feature a clash between Rio Ave and Sporting. The match will take place on Tuesday, April 22. The game is scheduled to start at 21:45 Central European Time. I propose a bet on the winner of this game.
Match Preview
Rio Ave is having a modest season and comfortably sits in the middle of the table with a few rounds to go. The team is in a safe zone and has long since stopped aiming for a spot in European competitions.
On the other hand, Rio Ave is 10 points clear of the relegation zone, which allows them not to worry about survival battles with four rounds remaining in the season. The Portuguese Cup may be the only solace for fans, but in the semi-finals, their team faces one of the local football giants.
Sporting continues to fight for the title and is neck-and-neck with Benfica with four rounds to go. The "eagles" have a slightly tougher schedule, but with a high probability, the championship will be decided in their head-to-head match in the 33rd round.
Notably, both clubs continue to compete in the national Cup. Their semi-final opponents are not the strongest, so another showdown in the decisive match awaits.
Match Facts
- Rio Ave has not won at home in three consecutive matches.
- Sporting is unbeaten in 12 consecutive matches.
- Rio Ave averages 1.2 goals per game when playing at home, while Sporting averages 2 goals per game when playing away.
Probable Lineups
- Rio Ave: Miszta, Ebbi, Kostulas, Ntoi, Tome, Tiknaz, Novais, Samora, Graca, Andre Luis, Clayton.
- Sporting: Silva, St. Juste, Inacio, Quaresma, Araujo, Kenda, Uylmann, Debast, Catamo, Trincao, Gyokeres.
H2H
Rio Ave has not beaten Sporting since 2019.
Prediction
Bookmakers do not believe in the success of the hosts, as confirmed by the odds on their victory. I think Sporting, as favorites, will confidently make it to the final, and I will bet on the visitors' victory with a -1 goal handicap.
