Prediction:
Away Win & Over 1.5

Rio Ave vs FC Porto - Prediction & Match Preview

FC Porto will be looking to make it two wins from two at the start of the new Primeira Liga campaign when they travel to face Rio Ave. The Dragons opened the season with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Alverca, while Rio Ave began with a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Gil Vicente. Porto also come into this fixture with a strong recent record against Rio Ave, having won 16 of their last 21 competitive meetings.

The visitors have plenty of reasons to be confident about collecting another three points. Porto were particularly impressive away from home last season, winning 14 of their 17 Primeira Liga away matches, and they finished the previous campaign as champions with a league-high 21 clean sheets. Their defensive organisation combined with greater quality throughout the squad should give them a significant advantage against a Rio Ave side that managed only three home league victories last season.

Rio Ave will certainly hope that home advantage can make this a difficult contest, but their opening-day defeat was another reminder of their problems in front of goal. They were unable to score against Gil Vicente and have struggled in several recent meetings with Porto. The last two encounters between these sides ended in Porto victories, including a 3-0 success in Vila do Conde and a 1-0 win in Porto.

For our goals selection, Over 1.5 looks like a sensible addition to the Porto win. Porto have already shown their ability to score twice in a match this season, and their overall superiority should eventually create enough chances to break through Rio Ave's defence. Even if the hosts manage to keep the game close for a long period, Porto have enough attacking quality to produce the two goals needed for this selection.

Overall, FC Porto look the stronger side and should have enough quality and experience to control the match. Rio Ave may make life uncomfortable at times, particularly on their own ground, but the visitors' excellent head-to-head record and superior squad make them the clear choice.