Estadio Dos Arcos will host Rio Ave vs Benfica on Sunday, 16 March , as both teams contend with each other for three valuable points. View our free predictions for this Primeira Liga match below.
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Rio Ave vs Benfica predictions: Visitors to lead at the break
Key stats
- Benfica have won five consecutive league games.
- Rio Ave suffered 13 defeats in their last 14 encounters with Benfica.
- Five of the last seven H2Hs at this stadium produced goals at both ends.
- Benfica led at half-time in four of their last six trips to Estadio Dos Arcos.
Correct score prediction: Rio Ave 1-3 Benfica
Benfica won five league matches in a row, scoring exactly three goals in four of them.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookmakers favour Benfica
- HOME: 6/1 (7.00) – 14.3%
- DRAW: 17/4 (5.25) – 19%
- AWAY: 4/11 (1.36) – 73.3%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Benfica were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after losing both legs of their Round of 16 tie with Barcelona. Bruno Lage's men will now turn their attention to the Primeira Liga, where they trail league leaders Sporting Lisbon by three points at the time of writing.
On the other hand, Rio Ave have struggled to find their best form in recent weeks, with a 1-2-2 win-draw-loss record in their last five games. However, Petit’s troops have lost only once in 12 home games this season (W5, D6).
As it stands, Rio Ave are 10th in Liga Portugal ahead of their encounter with second-placed Benfica.
Keeping that in mind, Benfica are the expected winners at 4/11 (1.36). Teams with these odds usually have a 73.3% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Rio Ave vs Benfica predictions.
We have also pointed out that both teams were on the scoresheet in five of the last seven encounters between these sides at this stadium. On that note, BTTS – Yes has an appealing look at 4/5 (1.80). That one has a 55.6% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Business as usual for Benfica?
It is safe to say that Rio Ave do not particularly look forward to meeting Benfica. They suffered 13 defeats in the last 14 clashes between these sides and have not beaten Benfica in the Primeira Liga since March 2015.
Portugal Primeira Liga 27/10/24
Benfica
Rio Ave
Portugal Primeira Liga 17/05/24
Rio Ave
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 14/01/24
Benfica
Rio Ave
Portugal Primeira Liga 02/04/23
Rio Ave
Benfica
Portugal Primeira Liga 08/10/22
Benfica
Rio Ave
Rio Ave preview: Hoping to improve their fortunes
Defender Francisco Petrasso (hamstring injury) is the only absentee for Rio Ave this weekend.
Predicted lineup: Miszta (GK), Abbey, Panzo, Ndoj, Vrousai, Tiknaz, Aguilera, Bondoso, Pohlmann, Luiz & Clayton.
Portugal Primeira Liga 10/05/25
D
Nacional
3
Rio Ave
3
Portugal Primeira Liga 05/05/25
W
Estrela
0
Rio Ave
2
Portugal Primeira Liga 27/04/25
L
Guimaraes
3
Rio Ave
0
Portugal Cup 22/04/25
L
Sporting
2
Rio Ave
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 18/04/25
D
Santa Clara
1
Rio Ave
1
Benfica preview: Fully focused on the league title
While Manu Silva (ACL) and Alexander Bah (ACL) are sidelined for this game, Tiago Gouveia and Angel Di Maria should be available for selection.
Predicted lineup: Trubin (GK), Dahl, Otamendi, Silva, Araujo, Aursnes, Luis, Kokcu, Schjelderup, Akturkoglu & Pavlidis.
Portugal Primeira Liga 10/05/25
D
Sporting
1
Benfica
1
Portugal Primeira Liga 03/05/25
W
Estoril
1
Benfica
2
Portugal Primeira Liga 27/04/25
W
AVS
0
Benfica
6
Portugal Cup 23/04/25
W
FC Tirsense
0
Benfica
4
Portugal Primeira Liga 19/04/25
W
Guimaraes
0
Benfica
3
Player to watch: Kerem Akturkoglu
Kerem Akturkoglu put in a man-of-the-match performance in the reverse fixture, scoring a hat-trick. However, he has not scored or registered an assist in his last four appearances across all competitions. The former Galatasaray player will look to get back to scoring ways on Sunday evening.