Rio Ave vs FC Porto Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Liga Portugal, February 3, 2025

Rio Ave vs FC Porto Preview

• Competition: Liga Portugal.
• Date: Monday, February 3.
• Time: 8:45 PM GMT.
• Venue: Estadio dos Arcos.

Rio Ave vs FC Porto will take place at the Estadio dos Arcos in the late kick-off slot in Liga Portugal in game week 20 of the competition on February 3.

The hosts will enter this game in 10^th place with 23 points from their 19 games so far. They are six places and six points clear of the relegation zone at this point. Rio Ave are in decent form of late, having won three of their last five games, drawing one and losing one. In this run, they have scored eight goals and conceded seven as well. They secured a 2-1 win away at Farense in their last league outing and will look to put in another strong performance.

Porto, on the other hand, are third in the table with 41 points from 19 matches. They are behind second-placed Benfica on goal difference and trail league-leaders Sporting by six points. They will enter this game on the back of a poor run of form, having won just one of their last five games. Three defeats and one draw have made the other results, as they have conceded seven and scored just three. Their 1-0 win away at Maccabi Tel-Aviv last time will give them some confidence.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.

Rio Ave Team News

Manager Petit fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match as they secured a narrow 2-1 win away from home. Most players barring some had great games and the manager even used three subs during the match.

However, they will be without one player for their next match. Jonathan Panzo is out with a knee injury and is expected back in a few weeks.

FC Porto Team News

Manager Martin Anselmi fielded a competitive lineup in his team’s last match as they defeated Tel Aviv. Most players performed well, and the manager even used five substitutes, but there were no new injuries or suspensions to report.

They will be without three players for the next game, though. Ivan Marcano (cruciate ligament), Martim Fernandes (muscle) and Marko Grujic (muscle) will all miss out as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.

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Rio Ave vs FC Porto Predicted Lineups

Rio Ave Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Cezary Miszta.

Defenders: Marios Vrousai (C), Francisco Petrasso, Andreas Ndoj, Omar Richards.

Midfielders: Ole Pohlmann, Demir Ege Tiknaz, Brandon Aguilera.

Forwards: Kiko Bondoso, Clayton, Tiago Morais.

FC Porto Predicted Lineup (3-4-3)

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa (C).

Defenders: Tiago Djalo, Stephen Eustaquio, Otavio.

Midfielders: Joao Mario, Alan Varela, Nico Gonzalez, Francisco Moura.

Forwards: Pepe, Danny Namaso, Fabio Vieira.

Rio Ave vs FC Porto Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have met fairly often in Liga Portugal over the last several years. As expected, FC Porto have the upper hand in recent meetings as they have won three of the last five. Rio Ave have won one, and there has also been one draw.

Key Players to Watch in Rio Ave vs FC Porto

Clayton (Rio Ave)

The Rio Ave marksman has led his team from the front and has racked up 10 goals at a respectable 6.41 xG, meaning he has converted some tough chances. He has attempted a stunning 11 shots on target in his last five games, scoring four goals from them. He has also converted one penalty in this duration.

Samu Omorodion (FC Porto)

Star forward Samu has been the leading contributor for FC Porto in front of goal scoring 13 goals and providing two assists. His goals have come from just 7.44 xG and he will look to continue with this conversion rate. He has also provided two assists from 0.98 xA. Despite not featuring of late, he will look to make it to the matchday squad next time around.

Rio Ave vs FC Porto Prediction

Going by the recent head-to-head, as well as their respective form guides, there is only one favorite. FC Porto should win the next one with ease as they look to close the gap to Sporting above them in the league table.

Prediction: Rio Ave 1-3 FC Porto

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