On Friday, September 19, Rio Ave will face Porto in the sixth round of the Portuguese Championship. The match starts at 21:15 CET, and here’s a look at the expected outcome.
Rio Ave vs Porto: Match Preview
Last season, Rio Ave ended up 11th in the standings, and their start this season has been tough. They drew their first three matches: 1-1, 2-2, and 3-3. In their most recent game, they lost 1-3 to Moreirense. After four rounds, they have three points, placing them 15th in the table with a goal difference of 7:9, just above the relegation zone on tie-breakers.
Porto, who finished third last season with 71 points, have made a strong start this year. They won their opening match 3-0, followed it with a 2-0 victory, and then secured a 4-0 win. In round four, they defeated Sporting 2-1 and more recently won 1-0 against Nacional. With a perfect 15 points from five matches, they sit at the top of the table, three points ahead of the nearest competitor.
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Rio Ave have not won in their last six games: three losses and three draws.
- Porto are unbeaten in their last eight matches: one draw and seven wins.
- Porto have scored in their last nine matches.
- Rio Ave have not kept a clean sheet in their last eight games.
- The last match between the two teams ended in a 2-2 draw.
Probable Lineups
- Rio Ave: Miszta; Petrasso, Panzo, Abatsyo; Athanasiou, Pollmann, Ljavas, Tome; Spikic, Clayton, A. Luis
- Porto: Di Costa; Rosario, Bednarek, Kiwior, Moura; Froholdt, Varela, Mora; Pepe, Samu, Sainz
Prediction
Rio Ave is struggling to find their form at the start of this season, while Porto is in excellent shape and has achieved maximum points so far. Expect Porto to maintain their winning streak, so a victory for Porto seems likely.