Benfica vs Rio Ave Prediction: The Eagles Are The Superior Side In This Fixture

Benfica will welcome Rio Ave to the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the 17th round of the Primeira Liga.

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between Benfica vs. Rio Ave, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Benfica

Form: WWWDD

Benfica secured a spot in the Taça de Portugal quarter-finals by triumphing over Braga in an exhilarating 3-2 goal-packed thriller at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on a Wednesday night.

Prior to that, they put three goals past FC Arouca to secure a comfortable 3-0 away win in the league, extending their unbeaten run away from home to eight matches. The Eagles unyielding resilience has seen them go unbeaten in fifteen league matches (W12 D3) since picking up their first loss of the season against Boavista on August 14th. With this, they are anticipated to prolong their undefeated streak to fourteen matches against a team that has displayed inconsistency this season.

With 39 points accumulated from 16 matches, Benfica sits second in the Primeira Liga standings, four points ahead of third-placed FC Porto and one point behind first-placed Sporting CP.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, Silva, Morato; Neves, Luis; Di Maria, Silva, Mario; Cabral

Rio Ave

Form: WLDDD

Rio Ave concluded 2023 with a 1-0 loss to Vitoria de Guimaraes away from home; however, they were able to pick themselves up with a convincing 2-0 win over Portimonense at home this year, mainly thanks to a festive fifteen-day hiatus.

Prior to this win, the Vilacondenses were on a five-match winless run, securing four draws and a solitary defeat. However, this season hasn't been any kinder to them, managing only three victories in sixteen league matches, entangling them in a relegation battle, and their bid for a second consecutive win for the first time since March 2023 might as well be put on hold in this one.

With 15 points accumulated from 16 matches, Rio Ave occupy the 16th spot in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with 15th-placed Gil Vicente and one point adrift of safety.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Jhonatan; Sa, Santos, Nobrega; Costinha, Guga, Oudrhiri, Ronaldo; Boateng, Ruiz, Joca

Match Facts

• Benfica is currently on a six-match winning streak across all competitions.
• Rio Ave have won one of their seven matches across all competitions.
• Benfica averages 2 goals per game when playing at home, and Rio Ave averages 0.71 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the most recent 42 encounters, Benfica emerged victorious 32 times and shared 8 draws, while Rio Ave secured a win on two occasions. The goal difference favors Benfica at 92-35.

Expert Betting Tips

Approaching the second half of the season with careful consideration, Benfica is well aware that any missteps could harm their title defense. Settling for a secondary position is not an option. With a remarkable record of winning their last 11 matches against Rio Ave consecutively, it's without a doubt that the Eagles will anticipate another comfortable victory in front of their fans. A win here could potentially apply pressure on the league leaders, Sporting CP.

As such, we anticipate the Eagles to secure maximum points by picking them up in the full-time market combined with a total over 2.5 goals, as this has been the case in eight of their last eleven matches against Rio Ave.

• W1 & TO 2.5 for 1.65
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 2.10
• Anytime Goalscorer - Joao Mario for 2.60