Sporting CP travel to face Rio Ave FC on Monday knowing victory could prove decisive in the race for Champions League qualification.

The Lions currently sit third in the Primeira Liga standings, trailing SL Benfica on head-to-head record with only two matches remaining.

Sporting finally returned to winning ways

Sporting CP produced an emphatic 5-1 victory over Vitória de Guimarães last weekend to end a frustrating five-match winless run across all competitions.

Dropped points against AVS and Tondela had previously allowed Benfica to move above them in the table.

The league’s most dangerous attack

Sporting continue to boast the most prolific attack in the division after scoring 82 league goals this season.

Luis Suarez remains the key threat

Luis Suárez leads the Primeira Liga scoring charts with 26 goals.

The Colombian striker has scored in each of his last two appearances and remains central to Sporting’s attacking threat.

Rio Ave losing momentum

Rio Ave FC come into this fixture after a goalless draw against Gil Vicente FC, extending their winless run to three matches.

Home form remains a major issue

Rio Ave have collected only three home victories from 16 league matches this season.

Only the current bottom three sides have earned fewer home points, underlining the scale of their struggles at Estadio dos Arcos.

Rio Ave vs Sporting Lisbon key stats

Match statistics

• Under 9.5 corners landed in nine of the last 10 meetings between the sides
• Luis Suarez has scored in each of his last two matches
• Sporting have won 11 of their 16 away league games this season
• Sporting have scored 82 league goals this campaign
• Rio Ave are winless in their last three matches

Betting tips and prediction

Sporting’s dominance in this fixture and Rio Ave’s poor home form make the visitors deserved favourites.

Hot tip

• Luis Suarez to score anytime