FC Porto vs Rio Ave Prediction: The Dragons Do Have A Knight In Shining Armour In Evanilson!

FC Porto will welcome Rio Ave to the Estádio do Dragão in the 20th round of the Primeira Liga.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

FC Porto

Form: WWWDW

In recent weeks, Sérgio Conceição has been wearing a smile as his team has lived up to expectations, securing four consecutive wins across all competitions with a total score of 14-1, setting the stage for their title pursuit.

A 3-1 win over Farense last time out marked their fifth match unbeaten in the league (W4 D1) since a 2-0 defeat to the league leaders on December 18th, 2023. Being at home has been advantageous for the Dragons, who have only lost one of their nine matches this season (W7 D1), and taking on a side they currently maintain a three-match winning streak over should see them secure a comfortable win.

With 44 points accumulated in 19 matches, FC Porto sits in third place in the Primeira Liga standings, seven points ahead of fourth-placed Braga and five points behind first-placed Sporting CP.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Costa; Mario, Pepe, Cardoso, Wendell; Varela, Gonzalez; Conceicao, Pepe, Galeno; Evanilson

Rio Ave

Form: DDLWL

Entering his third stint as Rio Ave manager is Luis Freire, who is navigating treacherous waters as his side is entangled in a relegation scrap. Having avoided relegation by a significant 27-point advantage in the previous season, it's still to be seen whether his side will be able to replicate the same success once again in what has been a competitive season.

Despite salvaging a point in a 1-1 draw against Estoril Praia at home, this extended their winless run in the league to three matches (D2 L1). Rio Ave have not been on their best display in the league as they have managed just one win in nine matches (D6 L2), which justifies their involvement in the relegation battle. Setting foot in unfamiliar territory has been a disaster for Rio Ave, who have gone winless in their last nine away matches (L5 D4), and little can be expected from them in this one other than a convincing defeat.

With 17 points accumulated in 19 matches, Rio Ave currently holds the 16th position, which is the relegation play-off spot in the Primeira Liga standings. They are four points clear of the drop zone but trail 12th-placed Boavista by three points.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-5-2

Jhonatan; Sa, Pantalon, William; Costinha, Graca, Teixeira, Fernandes, Ronaldo; Boateng, Ruiz

Match Facts

• FC Porto is currently on a four-match winning streak across all competitions.
• Rio Ave are winless in their last three matches in the Primeira Liga.
• FC Porto averages 1.89 goals per game when playing at home, and Rio Ave averages 0.67 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the past 43 encounters, FC Porto emerged victorious 33 times, with 8 draws, while Rio Ave secured 2 wins. The goal difference stands at 93-28 in favor of FC Porto.

Expert Betting Tips

FC Porto is in the race for the league title this season, and any dropped points could jeopardize their chances. Historically, the Dragons have consistently outperformed their upcoming opponents, suggesting a commanding and routine victory awaits, given their opponents' lackluster performance.

However, our attention is on Evanilson, a potential standout in the anytime goalscorer market. The 24-year-old has been in exceptional form, scoring in four consecutive matches across all competitions, bringing his total goal tally to seven. We anticipate him finding the back of the net in the upcoming encounter.

• Anytime Goalscorer - Francisco Evanilson for 2.05
• Total - Over 3 for 1.92
• Corners - Over 10.5 for 2.02