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

The Vilacondenses, who head into the weekend fresh off the back of securing their first win of the year, will set out to build on that victory and move into the top half of the Primeira Liga standings.

Match preview

Now sitting just five points behind league leaders Benfica, Porto have turned on the style in the business half of the season and their hopes of securing back-to-back Primeira Liga titles might be well and truly are back on track.

Three weeks on from claiming a 2-0 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Taca da Liga final, Porto secured yet another 2-1 victory over Ruben Amorim's side when the two rivals renewed hostilities in the league last Sunday.

Following a goalless first half at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, second-half goals from Mateus Uribe and Brazilian forward Pepe helped Sergio Conceicao's men record a fifth consecutive victory over Sporting Lisbon.

Porto have now won each of their last nine matches across all competitions, a run which saw them clinch their first ever Taca da Liga title and also reach the semi-finals of the Taca de Portugal courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Academico Viseu FC on February 8.

While Dragoes will head into the weekend looking to close the gap at the top of the Primeira Liga table to two points, they will also aim for an inspiring performance ahead of their Champions League round-of-16 clash against Inter Milan.

Porto, whose last defeat came at the hands of Benfica on October 21, have picked up 15 wins, three draws and lost two of their 20 matches to collect 48 points and sit second in the league table.

Rio Ave, on the other hand, returned to winning ways in style as they claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Estoril Praia when the sides squared off last Monday.

In a cagey affair at the Estadio dos Arcos, former Porto forward Andre Pereira broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 65th minute before Joao Garca put the icing on the cake in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Luis Freire's men were previously on a run of six consecutive league matches without a win, claiming three draws and losing three since December's 2-1 victory over Farense in the Taca da Liga.

With 24 points from 20 matches, the Vilacondenses are currently 11th in the Primeira Liga standings, but could rise as high as eighth-place with all three points this weekend.

While Rio Ave will be hoping for a repeat of their 3-1 victory over Porto in August's reverse fixture, they have managed just one league win away from home, losing four and picking up five draws this season.

Porto Primeira Liga form:

Porto form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

W

Rio Ave Primeira Liga form:

D

L

D

L

L

W

Team News

Porto will take to the pitch without several key players down the spine of the team, including the Brazilian duo of Gabriel Veron and Evanilson, who are currently recuperating from ankle and muscle injuries respectively.

Otavio, who has three goals and four assists to his name this season, came off with a muscle problem against Maritimo on February 1 and the Portuguese international is out of contention for the Dragoes.

Twenty-eight-year-old defender Fabio Cardoso is also set to sit out his fourth consecutive game, while goalkeeper Francisco Meixedo has also been ruled out through an injury.

Meanwhile, Rio Ave remain without Portuguese midfielder Joca, who has been out of action. since last September through a severe knee injury.

Miguel Baeza sustained a game-ending injury in the 36th minute against Estoril Praia last time out and the Celta Vigo loanee is a major doubt for Saturday's contest.

In his absence, Graca should come into the starting XI, teaming up with Emmanuel Boateng and Leonardo Ruiz at the attacking end of the pitch.

Porto possible starting lineup:

Costa; Mario, Pepe, Marcano, Sanusi; Franco, Grujic, Uribe, Pepe, Taremi, Galeno

Rio Ave possible starting lineup:

Jhonatan; William, Sa, Pantalon; Costinha, Rodrigues, Samaris, Ronaldo; Graca, Boateng, Ruiz

We say: Porto 3-0 Rio Ave

While Rio Ave will be looking to build on Monday's victory, they are in for a tough 90 minutes against a Porto side who have won their last nine matches across all competitions. The Dragoes have made their home ground a fortress and we are tipping them to pick up an eighth straight home win on Saturday.

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