REF’s picks

Sporting CP arrive in strong Champions League form with six points from three matches and carry the tactical quality to edge this neutral-venue fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk. While injuries to Zeno Debast and Rodrigo Zalazar limit their depth, the Portuguese side possess enough attacking sharpness to break down a Shakhtar backline missing key personnel.

1. 1Sporting sit higher in the league phase table and boast more consistent continental displays.
2. 2Shakhtar's defensive absentees create structural vulnerabilities that should favour the visitors.
3. 3Sporting have occasionally stumbled against lower-block domestic opposition, and Shakhtar's resilience could make this a tight contest.

REF's own opinion, not a guarantee — nothing here is financial or betting advice, and the call is always yours.