Rio Avevs.Braga

At a time when the visitors are the form team in the division, Rio Ave are down in 11th position and in need of a result to edge away from a relegation scrap.

Match preview

Although Braga were eliminated from the Europa League at the League Phase, it has only boosted their efforts to finish in the top three of Primeira Liga.

A title challenge may remain on Carlos Carvalhal's radar if his side can continue on their current trajectory, but six wins and one draw have come from their last seven matches to strengthen their hold of fourth.

Now trailing leaders Sporting Lisbon by six points, the recent 1-0 victory over Nacional felt imperative after the previous goalless draw at Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Perhaps most impressive, just one goal has been conceded by Braga in their last six top-flight contests, building on their 2-1 success at Benfica at the start of the year.

Braga also make the trip to Estadio dos Arcos with the best away record in the division, accumulating 26 points from 11 games and conceding just the five goals.

As for Rio Ave, their campaign has lost some steam since the start of December and they now find themselves needing points to ensure that a relegation battle does not enter their thinking.

Just two victories have come from their last 11 matches, while they are also without success in their most recent four outings.

Petit's side suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Estoril last time out, conceding a 90th-minute winner to their hosts having previously got back on level terms with seven minutes remaining.

On a positive note, though, that was Rio Ave's first defeat in five outings, and some perspective will be taken from that ahead of facing one of the toughest challenges in the division.

Rio Ave Primeira Liga form:

L

W

D

D

D

L

Rio Ave form (all competitions):

W

D

W

D

D

L

Braga Primeira Liga form:

W

W

W

W

D

W

Braga form (all competitions):

W

W

W

D

W

L

Team News

Tiago Morais is in line to return to the Rio Ave starting lineup on the back of his goal as a substitute last time out.

Andre Luiz could drop down to the substitutes' bench to accommodate his selection, while Theofanis Bakoulas is an option ahead of Brandon Aguilera.

Meanwhile, Gabri Martinez is an option to replace Ismael Gharbi on the left flank for Braga, while Joao Ferreira may be considered for a return at right-back.

The remainder of the side could stay the same from the 1-0 reverse to Benfica in Thursday's Taca De Portugal quarter-finals.

Rodrigo Zalazar, Sikou Niakate and Vitor Carvalho all stay on the sidelines for this contest.

Rio Ave possible starting lineup:

Miszta; Vrousai, Ntoi, Abbey, Richards; Tiknaz, Aguilera; Luiz, Pohlmann, Bondoso; Clayton

Braga possible starting lineup:

Hornicek; Gomez, Oliveira, Arrey-Mbi, Chissumba; Moutinho, Gorby; Fernandes, Horta, Martinez; El Ouazzani

We say: Rio Ave 1-2 Braga

With a draw against Porto on their recent record, Rio Ave will have belief that they can earn another positive result against one of the big four. Nevertheless, we have to back Braga for this contest, particularly in a tight game given how they have churned out victories of late.

Written by

Darren Plant

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