Rio Ave vs Benfica Lisbon Prediction & Betting Tips - Liga Portugal

Prediction published on 31/03/2023, 12:45  by Devesh Jaganath in Liga Portugal Predictions

Runaway leaders Benfica will look to edge closer to securing the Primeira Liga title this weekend when they travel to Estadio Rio Ave Futebol Clube to take on Rio Ave on Sunday evening. The visitors currently sit atop the Primeira Liga table with 68 points in 25 matches, ten clear of Porto in second. Benfica won their last match in dominant fashion, beating Vitoria Guimaraes 5-1, which takes their recent unbeaten run to eleven matches, including 10 wins and a draw. Their away record has been just as impressive this season, with 10 wins, one draw, and just one loss in 12 matches on the road. Benfica is also on a five-match winning run in away matches. The visitors are unbeaten in their last 13 matches against this opposition, outscoring them 33-10 in that time, and will expect nothing less than another three points in this one. 

Rio Ave comes into this match in eighth place in the Primeira Liga, with 33 points in 25 matches, seven points behind Vitoria Guimaraes and the European Cup qualification spots. Rio Ave also won their last match 2-0 against Santa Clara, which was their second in succession and their fourth in their last four matches, along with two losses. The hosts have a fair record of seven wins, one draw, and four losses in 12 matches at Estadio Rio Ave Futebol Clube and have won their last three home matches against Gil Vicente, Chaves, and Estoril. Rio Ave has struggled against this opponent in the past, and with the form Benfica is in, all indicators suggest that the hosts may find it difficult to contain the league leaders in this match.