Rio Ave vs Benfica Prediction: No Holds Barred In The Final Showdown!

Rio Ave will welcome Benfica to the Estádio dos Arcos in the 34th round of the Primeira Liga. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Rio Ave

Form: DWDDD

Rio Ave have nothing to play for at the moment as they have lived up to expectations that were quite modest and secured top-flight status for next season. In their most recent match against Portimonense SC, they squandered their lead twice to play out a dramatic 2-2 draw at Estádio Municipal de Portimão.

The Vilacondenses have not tasted defeat in the Primeira Liga for three months now since their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Famalicao on February 16th. They are currently on an eleven-match unbeaten run, though this run has been mainly plagued with draws rather than wins, winning just two games during this period (D9).

With 36 points accumulated from 33 matches, Rio Ave sits in tenth place in the Primeira Liga standings on points from 11th-placed Gil Vicente and can move no higher than ninth place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Jhonatan; Pantalon, Santos, Patrick; Costinha, Idrissi, Gomes, Embalo; Joca, Ronaldo, Boateng

Benfica

Form: WLWWW

Having recently relinquished their league title to Sporting CP about a week ago following their 2-0 loss to Famalicao on the road, Benfica will feel a bit disappointed that they couldn't dig deeper into their performance for another prosperous season as they can only settle for a second-place finish. In their most recent match, they baptized FC Arouca mercilessly at home, winning 5-0.

The Eagles have won five of their last five matches in the Primeira Liga and enter this round high on confidence. Away from home, they have been plagued with inconsistency, winning just two of their last five matches (L3). However, that shouldn't derail them from picking up maximum points against a side they've gotten the better of in their last four matches (W4).

With 79 points accumulated from 33 matches, Benfica sits in second place in the Primeira Liga standings and has maintained a ten-point cushion over third-placed FC Porto. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, A Silva, Fernandez; Neves, Luis; Di Maria, Kokcu, Mario; R Silva

Match Facts

• Rio Ave are currently on an eleven-match unbeaten run when playing at home in the Primeira Liga.
• Benfica have won five of their last eight matches across all competitions.
• Rio Ave averages 1.5 goals per game when playing at home, and Benfica averages 1.75 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 43 meetings, Rio Ave have won 2 times, Benfica have won 33 times, and there have been 8 draws, with the goal difference being 96-36 in favor of Benfica.

Expert Betting Tips

In their final home game of the season, Rio Ave will be aiming to conclude the season with their unbeaten run intact; however, that will prove to be a difficult task and feat to achieve considering their struggles against their opponents in this impending encounter, going winless in the last twelve matches (L12).

The Eagles have been impressive in this fixture and should have no problem cruising to a comfortable win. With a second-place finish already in the books, we expect them to bid farewell to the season on a high note. Therefore, support them in the full-time market combined with the total of 2.5 goals.

• W2 & TO 2.5 for 2
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.75
• Total - Over 3.5 for 2.38