Jorge Jesus talks with the press ahead of the weekend's visit to Rio Ave

A Sporting on par with the team that put three past Académica is what Jorge Jesus expects to see for Sunday’s visit to Rio Ave, on I Liga matchday 4.

Speaking with the press in the weekend’s pre-match press conference, the Alvalade boss affirmed: “Rio Ave are traditionally tough opposition. They are even harder to play against at home and they are well drilled by a coach who has been with them for a few years now. It will be a hard game, like they always are in the Portuguese league. Sporting will have to be up for it like we were in Coimbra if we are going to win the three points.

Asked if any tired legs are of concern following the international break, Jesus proved settled: “We have to be ready and the lads are used to it. The most important thing is that noone picked up an injury. Of course the players lose a bit of the routine we work on while they are away and some recover quicker than others, but that is obvious and I will take decisions based on that.”

With Sporting playing on Sunday evening, the Alvalade side have both the blessing and curse of already knowing this weekend’s other results. “We have made it clear that we want to be at the top of the league and to fight for the title. This is a risky game, but they all are. Our competition has already played and won, but that is going to happen a lot more times this season and it doesn’t worry me.”