Rio Avevs.Gil Vicente

Both sides will hope to secure a victory to help them move further away from the relegation playoff spot.

Match preview

Rio Ave were held to a goalless draw by Boavista last time out, extending their league-leading tally of draws to 14.

Despite only winning four games this season (joint-lowest in the league), these draws have kept them clear of the relegation zone, though they are just three points above the playoff spot.

The Vilacondenses have won just two of their last 12 league matches, but crucially have not lost many either (only two defeats). However, a staggering eight draws have come in that period, including the last five games in a row.

Rio Ave's struggles to convert draws into wins are partly due to their lack of firepower. They have only scored 26 goals this campaign, the joint-second-lowest in the league.

However, manager Luis Freire will hope his side can leverage home advantage once again on Saturday. All four of their wins this season have come at home, and they are unbeaten in their last eight home matches.

Gil Vicente arrive in poor form, having lost their last two matches, the most recent a 2-1 defeat to Famalicao. They now have not won in five matches (three draws, two defeats).

Vitor Campelos's side have also struggled across all competitions, winning only three of their last nine games (five losses) after a cup defeat to Vitoria de Guimaraes in February.

Their away record is particularly concerning - with just seven points from 13 away games, they are the third-worst team on the road in the Primeira Liga.

This trip to Rio Ave represents a tough challenge for Gil Vicente, who will need a significant improvement to end their winless run against a side they have not beaten in three successive meetings.

Rio Ave Primeira Liga form:

L

D

D

D

D

D

Gil Vicente Primeira Liga form:

W

D

D

D

L

L

Team News

Rio Ave will be without Miguel Nobrega, who is expected to continue his stay on the sidelines following a muscle injury that he sustained against Braga.

Emmanuel Boateng is suspended for the clash after receiving a red card for a second bookable offence against Boavista.

Joca is in contention to take his place as one of the three attackers alongside Abdul-Aziz Yakubu and Fabio Ronaldo.

Gil Vicente could take to the pitch without defender Kiko Vilas Boas, who has been out of action since sustaining a severe knee problem against Portimonense on January 22.

However, Portuguese forward Ze Carlos is in contention for a place in the starting line up after coming on as a substitute last time out, following his return from injury.

Rio Ave possible starting lineup:

Jhonatan; Sa, Santos, William; Costinha, Oudrhiri, Silva, Teixeira; Ronaldo, Aziz, Joca

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:

Andrew; Pinto, Pereira, Fernandes, Buta; Dominguez, Gbane, Neto; Costa, Alipour, Correia

We say: Rio Ave 1-0 Gil Vicente

Rio Ave's strong home form and Gil Vicente's struggles on the road favor the home side. However, both teams lack attacking punch. Expect a tight match with a low chance of many goals. Rio Ave might edge it with a narrow win here.

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