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

As Aguias, who have won their last seven matches across all competitions, journey to the Estadio dos Arcos in search of a 10th consecutive victory over the home side since December 2018.

Match preview

Rio Ave continue their late push for a place in Europe as they picked up a 2-0 victory over league strugglers Santa Clara when the sides squared off just before the international break.

Following a goalless first half at the Estadio de Sao Miguel, Brazilian defender Italo netted a 50th-minute own goal to gift the hosts the opener before substitute Leonardo Ruiz put the game beyond reach in the 73rd minute.

Luis Freire's side now return home, where they are on a run of three consecutive wins, edging out Estoril Praia, Chaves and Gil Vicente since their 1-0 loss against Sporting Lisbon in February.

Rio Ave have now picked up nine wins, six draws and lost 10 of their 25 matches so far to collect 33 points and sit ninth in the Primeira Liga table, level on points with eighth-placed Famalicao.

While the Vilacondenses will be looking to make it three straight wins across all competitions for the first time this year, standing in their way is a rampant Benfica side who have won each of the last 10 meetings between the sides since a 3-2 loss in December 2017.

Roger Schmidt's men extended their lead at the summit of the Primeira Liga standings to 10 points last time out when they thrashed Vitoria de Guimaraes 5-1 at the Estadio da Luz.

Benfica turned in another superb team performance as goals from Goncalo Ramos, Antonio Silva and Joao Mario all found the back of the net to condemn the visitors to their ninth defeat of the season.

As Aguias have now won seven games on the bounce across all competitions, a run which saw them secure an emphatic 7-1 aggregate win over Club Brugge in the Champions League round of 16.

Benfica are currently on a run of nine consecutive victories in the Primeira Liga and are unbeaten in their last 11 outings, picking up 31 points from a possible 33 since December's 3-0 loss at Braga.

Benfica's impressive title charge has been down to a solid job done at both ends of the pitch as they boast the league's best attacking record with 66 goals scored while they have kept the most clean sheets so far (16).

Rio Ave Primeira Liga form:

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Benfica Primeira Liga form:

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Benfica form (all competitions):

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Team News

Rio Ave will take to the pitch without 26-year-old Luz, who will serve a one-game suspension after crossing the yellow card threshold with his booking against Santa Clara last time out.

On the injury front, the Vilacondenses will be without Portuguese midfielder Joca, who has been sidelined since last September through a knee problem.

Following their solid defensive display against Santa Clara, Freire could be tempted to stick with an unchanged back three of Patrick William, Aderllan Santos and Renato Pantalon, with Jhonatan starting between the sticks.

Meanwhile, Benfica remain without the attacking duo of Goncalo Guedes and Julian Draxler, who have been ruled out through knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Serbian defender Mihailo Ristic is also out of contention for Sunday's match after sustaining a muscle injury in January's game against Arouca.

Rio Ave possible starting lineup:

Jhonatan; William, Santos, Pantalon; Costinha, Graca, Guga, Gomes, Ronaldo; Pereira, Boateng

Benfica possible starting lineup:

Vlachodimos; Bah, Otamendi, Silva, Grimaldo; Chiquinho, Luis; Mario, Silva, Neres; Ramos

We say: Rio Ave 0-3 Benfica

Rio Ave have put together a fine run of form in recent weeks and will head into the weekend looking to break their Benfica hoodoo. On paper, Freire's side are no match for the spirited visitors, who boast a significantly superior and more experienced squad. Benfica are currently firing on all cylinders and we are backing them to extend their winning streak against the hosts on Sunday.

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