The title race in Portugal will heat up this weekend, with all three contenders in action. FC Porto will be the first looking to make their move, as they bid to close the gap on the summit to two points when they host Rio Ave.
Liga Portugal Preview
FC Porto kicked off the season as the clear favourites to win the Liga Portugal title, but they are currently facing an uphill challenge to overthrow the current league leaders. The Portuguese giants come into this round of matches sitting third in the standings after losing three of their opening 19 matches this term. However, only the top two sides have claimed more wins than Porto so far this season.
Porto come into the weekend in solid recent form after winning their last three, but they are struggling to make in-roads on the top two as both are currently on longer winning streaks. The hosts this weekend were professional in their latest match in the competition, as they secured a 3-1 win on the road against Farense. Evanilson was the match-winning hero in that clash after netting twice.
It hasn’t been the start to the season that Rio Ave would have been looking for, as they are already in a battle to secure their top-flight status. They come into this round sitting in the relegation playoff spot after winning just three times in 19 outings this season.
Their recent form would also be a clear cause for concern when it comes to their chances of springing an upset this weekend. Rio Ave is winless in its last three, and it has played out draws in its previous two. Their most recent draw was picked up in midweek, playing out a 1-1 tie against Estoril Praia.
FC Porto vs Rio Ave Head to Head
FC Porto have picked up victories in their last two matches against Rio Ave. Furthermore, they have landed wins in four of the last five. That includes a 2-1 success in the reverse fixture this term. Rio Ave’s only win against Porto in the last 16 meetings was achieved at home in August 2022.
FC Porto vs Rio Ave Prediction
Rio Ave have struggled against FC Porto throughout recent history, and their current league form shows no sign of improving. Therefore, it appears that the most likely outcome this weekend is a home win for the title-chasing Porto.
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