Estrela Amadoravs.Rio Ave

The hosts are fourth last in 15th place with 12 points from 14 games and lost 2-0 against Porto last Monday, while Rio Ave drew 2-2 with Vitoria de Guimaraes on December 16 and are 11th with 16 points after 16 matchweeks.

Match preview

Estrela Amadora hover just above the league's relegation playoff spot, though they are level on points with 16th-placed Arouca, 17th-placed Boavista and 14th-placed Nacional.

The Tricolours produced just three shots and no attempts on target against Porto, and Jose Faria will be concerned that his side have averaged the fewest shots on target of any team in the top flight.

Faria's side have also created the fewest big chances and generated the second lowest xG of any of the 18 clubs in the Primeira Liga, and their record of 24 league goals conceded is the division's joint third worst return.

Estrela have lost three of their last four fixtures and have also been defeated in four of their seven most recent league games, drawing once in that time.

Despite their struggles of late, the hosts' form at home has been strong given they are unbeaten in their past five matches at Estadio Jose Gomes, winning on three occasions.

As for Rio Ave, they come into the clash following a disappointing draw, a match in which they had taken a 2-0 lead after 38 minutes but conceded in the 51st and 58th minutes and squandered the chance to take three points.

Head coach Armando Goncalves Teixeira has only been in charge for five matches and has a record of three wins, one draw and one loss, as many victories as previous boss Luis Freire had managed in the club's previous 10.

Teixeira's side are the league's 11th best offensive and second-worst defensive team having scored on 15 occasions and conceded 25 goals.

Though Rio Ave failed to achieve victory in their past two outings, they did emerge triumphant in the previous three games and have lost just once in their last six in all competitions.

The visitors have been fairly strong on the road in recent matches, winning three and losing two of their last five games away from home, but they lost 14 and drew 13 of the prior 27 away fixtures.

Estrela Amadora Primeira Liga form:

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Estrela Amadora form (all competitions):

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Rio Ave Primeira Liga form:

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Rio Ave form (all competitions):

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Team News

Estrela wing-back Danilo Veiga received two yellow cards against Porto and is suspended, so perhaps Diogo Travassos will come into the XI.

Tiago Gabriel, Issiar Drame and Ruben Lima could start in a back three behind a midfield consisting of Paulo Moreira, Igor Jesus and Leo Cordeiro.

Striker Kikas has started 10 of his side's 14 league games, and should he be given the nod up front, he may be partnered by Rodrigo Pinho.

Meanwhile, the visitors will not be able to select centre-back Jonathan Panzo, who is scheduled to make his comeback from a knee injury in early January.

Elsewhere, Rio Ave could name a similar starting XI to the team that played against Vitoria de Guimaraes, so expect Patrick William and Aderllan Santos to be stationed in the heart of defence.

Estrela could start Demir Ege Tiknaz and Martim Neto together in a double pivot, while striker Clayton is likely to be supported by attacking midfielder Joao Novais.

Estrela Amadora possible starting lineup:

Brigido; Gabriel, Drame, Lima; Travassos, Moreira, Jesus, Cordeiro, Varela; Pinho, Kikas

Rio Ave possible starting lineup:

Miszta; Vrousai, William, Santos, Richards; Tiknaz, Neto; Bondoso, Novais, Ronaldo; Clayton

We say: Estrela Amadora 1-2 Rio Ave

Though Rio Ave have been poor defensively this season, it is difficult to see Estrela scoring more than once given their struggles in the final third.

Written by

Lewis Nolan

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