Rio Ave vs FC Porto Prediction: A Third Consecutive Victory In Sight For Sérgio's Charges

Rio Ave gears up for their third round of the Primeira Liga as they play host to formidable FC Porto at the Estadio dos Arcos.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Rio Ave

Rio Ave had one of the perfect starts to the season, edging out 10-man Chaves 2:0 at home in the first round, though they didn't have it easy despite having the numerical advantage fall in their favor.

However, despite securing their first three points of the season, it still wasn't enough to see them build up on their momentum in the second round, as they were inflicted with their first loss of the season, losing 2:0 against Estoril Praia on the road, an outcome they felt wasn't a deserving one as they were the dominant side in possession, managing 61%.

With three points to their name, they have found shelter in the 13th place in the standings and are three points ahead of the relegation zone, a place they want to avoid by any means as they strive for a productive season.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Magrao; Pantalon, Santos, Sa; Ronaldo, Guga, Oudrhiri, Costinha; Joca, Ruiz, Hernani

FC Porto

Sérgio Conceição couldn't have asked for a better start for his side this season, as it has all been grins from the opening two matches. The Dragons opened their inaugural Primeira Liga campaign with a not-so-convincing performance against Moreirense on the road but still managed to secure their first three points, claiming a 2:1 triumph.

Seeking to build up on that momentum, they managed to see off the threat of newly promoted Farense at home, winning 2:1 in the second round, though it wasn't a straightforward assignment to victory as they had anticipated, with their opponent putting up a lively fight that almost saw them being held to a draw, but an Iván Marcano goal in the dying embers of the game proved to be a game changer.

A two-match winning streak in the league has been a clear message of intent about their aspirations this season, which is to strip Benfica, who have made a slow start to their title, and with six points to their name complemented by a 3rd place position in the standings, it goes to show that they have their sights set on the zenith.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-5-1

Costa; Mario, Cardoso, Marcano, Wendell; Eustaquio, Varela, Pepe, Martinez, Galeno; Taremi

Match Facts

• Rio Ave have lost one of their five home matches across all competitions.
• FC Porto have won five of their last seven matches against Rio Ave.
• Rio Ave averages 1.3 goals per game when playing at home, and FC Porto averages 2.3 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 42 meetings, Rio Ave have won 2 times, FC Porto have won 32 times, and there have been 8 draws, with the goal difference being 91-27 in favor of FC Porto.

Expert Betting Tips

Rio Ave know that their chances of success here have been narrowed down to a zilch where salvaging a point is just another castle in the sky, and reality sees a second consecutive defeat as a plausible outcome come the conclusion of the game as nothing much can be expected from them.

FC Porto have marked their name on the register as one of the only four sides in the league to record consecutive victories. Though those wins weren't something to write home about, surely this time around the tables shall turn for the better, making for a convincing performance where they should have no trouble asserting their dominance over underdogs Rio Ave.

Given that FC Porto have won eight of their last ten away matches against Rio Ave, with the total exceeding 2.5 goals in six of those wins, we anticipate the same trend to continue here.

• W2 & TO 2.5 for 2.17
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.93
• Corners - Over 10 for 2.00