Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
After rolling over Braga 5-0 in midweek, Sporting CP will look to move closer to the Champions League berth when they face Rio Ave on Matchday 19. The Lions have been anything but impressive on the road this term, but their display in the crushing of Braga is certainly giving fans a reason for optimism ahead of the trip to Vila do Conde.
Right-back Pedro Porro is no longer part of the team after signing for Tottenham, but there are no fresh injury worries in the away team. Meanwhile, Rio Ave experienced all sorts of problems at the back in a 3-1 defeat to Vizela, and seeing that important defender Aderllan Santos is banned for Monday’s clash, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the capital club. In the first half of the season Sporting recorded a routine 3-0 win over Rio Ave.
Highlighted Player (Patrick William):
Born in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil, on June 3, 1997, Patrick William is a defender who plays for Famalicao in Primeira Liga. William began his senior career at Tupi, and he play for the likes of Ceara and Vila Nova as well before signing a five-year contract with Famalicao in 2019.
The Brazilian footballer made his debut in the Portuguese elite division on August 8, 2019, in a 2-0 win over Santa Clara. He scored his first goal for the Azuis e Brancos in a 1-0 win over Rio Ave on August 16, 2019, finding the net in the 66th minute of the match.
Patrick William’s preferred foot is right, and his primary position is a centre-back. The player who wears the number 97 shirt at Famalicao, has a contract with the club until June 2024. The Famalicao defender has yet to make his debut with the Brazil national team.
Highlighted Team (Sporting):
When it comes to official club members, Portugal giants Sporting Lisbon are the sixth club in the world. Commonly referred to as Leoes which is Portuguese for Lions, Sporting Lisbon were founded in 1906 and are one of the founders of the Primeira Liga.
Sporting’s main rivals are Benfica, with both teams contesting the Lisbon Derby, one of the most fierce ones in Europe. Lions play their games at Estadio Jose Alvelade in front of 50,000 people and are the third most successful club in the country with 46 titles in Portuguese competitions and a title in the European Cup Winner’s Cup from 1963-64.
During this time that is also known as the club’s golden years, Sporting Lisbon won the majority of their 18 Primeira Liga titles in total. Sporting Lisbon boasts the quality football youth academy system which has yielded world-class footballers such as Paulo Furte, Simao Sabrosa, Nani and Ballon d’Or winners Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo.