Preview: Rio Ave vs. Portimonense - prediction, team news, lineups

Rio Ave head into Friday's fixture with Portimonense having suffered three successive defeats in Primeira Liga.

Meanwhile, the visitors ended a three-match winless streak in their last match as they recorded a 2-0 victory over relegation rivals Farense.

Match preview

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Such is the competitiveness outside of the top six that these two teams have spent much of the campaign looking to remain clear of the relegation zone.

Rio Ave have spent a significant period in and around mid-table, while Portimonense have been more familiar with occupying a spot in the bottom two.

However, the two clubs are now facing somewhat of a role reversal after contrasting results last time out left them heading in different directions.

The home side's 2-0 reverse at Pacos de Ferreira was their third setback in a row, resulting in the recent Europa League participants dropping down to 16th place.

Portimonense, on the other hand, prevailed against bottom side Farense by the same scoreline, seeing them move into 14th spot on the back of seven points from five games.

While the clubs are only separated by goal difference, Paulo Sergio will unquestionably be the more confident of the two managers heading into this fixture.

Sergio will also be excited about the development of forward Beto, whose double versus Farense took him to three strikes from 251 minutes of football.

Goals have been less forthcoming for a Rio Ave side who remain with the worst attacking record in the division, netting just once during their most recent six matches.

Rio Ave Primeira Liga form: DLDLLL Rio Ave form (all competitions): LDWLLL

Portimonense Primeira Liga form: LWLDLW Portimonense form (all competitions): LWLDLW

Team News

Sergio will almost certainly name the same starting XI after Portimonense's victory on Monday.

No substitutions were made until added-on time, an indication that Sergio will value stability with a winning team over introducing fresh legs.

Opposite number Pedro Cunha will likely take a different approach with his Rio Ave side after their latest defeat without finding the back of the net.

Gabrielzinho could make just his second start of the season on one of the flanks, while Manchester City loanee Ryotaro Meshino is also pushing for a rare outing from the opening whistle.

Rio Ave possible starting lineup: Kieszek; Pinto, Borevkovic, Santos, Amaral; Tarantini, Pele; Gabrielzinho, Dala, Meshino; Pereira

Portimonense possible starting lineup: Samuel; Moufi, Possignolo, Antonio, Anzai; Dener, Willyan, Luquinhas; Morte, Beto, Oliveira

We say: Rio Ave 1-1 Portimonense

These clubs possess two of the worst attacking records in the division, leading to the feeling that we will not see the most entertaining of games on Friday. Both sides will be content with a point apiece, and that could lead to an uninspiring draw being played out between two evenly-matched sides.

Top betting tip