Benfica vs Rio Ave Prediction: How Will The Eagles Respond After European Setback?

Benfica will welcome Rio Ave to the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the ninth 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: WWWDW

During the week, Benfica was involved in a UEFA Champions League clash against Feyenoord. Despite being considered favourites in that match, they were behind a 3-1 thrashing, bringing an end to their perfect start in the competition (W2).

Prior to that, they returned to domestic action following the international break and immediately asserted their dominance with a convincing 2-0 win over third-tier side Pevidem in the Portuguese Cup. Heading into this match, the Eagles have won their last three matches in the league, including a 5-1 thrashing of Gil Vicente at home.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Bah, Araujo, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Luis; Di Maria, Kokcu, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis

Rio Ave

Form: DLDLW

It took extra time for Rio Ave to defeat third-tier side Atlético Clube de Portugal in the third round of the Taça de Portugal, securing a 3-1 triumph on the road. This has seen them book their spot in the fourth round of this competition against Alverca in November.

Rio Ave went into the international break winless in their last four league games, recording two draws and two losses. However, they did manage to salvage a crucial point in a 1-1 draw against Famalicao at home. This has left them sitting in 12th place and three points ahead of the drop zone.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Jhonatan; Panzo, Santos, William; Novais, Oudrhiri, Neto, Richards; Bondoso, Clayton, Aguilera

Match Facts

• Benfica have won 8 of their last 10 home games against Rio Ave by two or more goals.
• Rio Ave have won just one of their last 5 Primeira Liga games.
• Benfica averages 3.25 goals per game when playing at home, and Rio Ave averages 0.25 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 44 meetings, Benfica have won 33 times, Rio Ave have won 2 times, and there have been 9 draws, with the goal difference being 97-37 in favour of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

Benfica will be aiming to bounce back from their European setback during the week by securing a comfortable win in this upcoming encounter. The Eagles have been the dominant side in this fixture and should have no trouble picking up all three points against a side that has struggled for consistency in their most recent league matches.

Considering the disparity in class and quality between the two sides, we anticipate supporting the home side in the full-time market combined with a total of under 4.5 goals.

• W1 & TU 4.5 for 1.62
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.66
• Anytime Goalscorer - Vangelis Pavlidis for 1.71