Rio Ave Futebol Clube
Rio Ave FC has a remarkable season, after 15 rounds being ranked 6th in the standings, 7 points of the Europa League. After having had a series of four consecutive victories with Vitória Setúbal (1-0) CD Tondela (3-1), FC Arouca (2-0) and Nacional Funchal (2-1), coached by Luís Castro had to recognize the leader defeated Benfica (0-2). With this last played in the league, but in the meantime Rio Ave has played in the League Cup, winning away against SC Braga (2-1, last game in 2016) and defeated the “outside” of CS Marítimo (0-1 the first game in 2017).
In matches at home “Rio Grande” had no draw, winning 4 times and all were defeated 4 times. It would be important for “green and white” to win the match at home against Chaves to start the year with a victory in the championship and continue the fight for a Champions League place with Vitória Guimarães and Braga Sporting Lisbon.
In the last 13 stages Rio Ave had one draw 1-1 with FC Moreirense, otherwise 7 wins and 5 defeats. Last 5 home matches were over 2.5 goals, so it’s expected to be a spectacular match Sunday.
The hosts can not count on the Brazilian right defender Jose Lionn, a defender and midfielder Pedrinho central Brazilian Leandro Silva, all being injured. Kizito will be missing and the extreme right, who was summoned to the national team to Uganda. Will come back after an injury central midfielder Pedro Moreira. There are no players suspended.
► Next opponent: CF Os Belenenses (Away)
Grupo Desportivo de Chaves
GD Chaves ended 2016 with a victory, 1-0 (Fábio Martins 68), home “Stadio Municipal de Chaves’ with GD Estoril. One step behind, Chaves lost the “Estádio do Dragão” on edge, with FC Porto, 1-2, although opened the scoring (72 Depoitre, Danilo Pereira 78 – Rafael Lopes 13).
After 15 rounds, the squad coached by Ricardo Soares sits very well in the rankings, ranking 7 to 8 points and 11 points Europa League relegation. Chaves is a newly promoted, so far is on schedule. It’s hard to believe that the “red-blue” have the strength to fight to qualify for the Europa League, but their goal is to keep the first league.
Away, “Flavienses” achieved 2 wins in 7 games, with Nacional Funchal (1-0) and FC Arouca (1-0). Otherwise 2 draws and 3 defeats. However, in the last 4 games played “outside” Chaves has performed poorly, 2 draws and 2 defeats, but except Paços Ferreira was also hard to be won with SC Braga, FC Porto Vitória Guimarães or.
Guests have them on the stopper uncertain Brazilian Felipe Lopes, Cape Verde stopper Félix Mathaus extreme right Hamdou Elhouni Libyan and Senegalese striker Alioune Fall. Fábio Santos stopper will return after an injury and offensive midfielder João Patrão, after a suspension.
► Next opponent: Sporting Lisbon (home)
► probable teams Rio Ave FC – GD Chaves:
► Rio Ave: Cassio – Nadjack, Marcelo, Roderick Miranda, Rafa Soares – Wakaso, Tarantini – Ruben Ribeiro, Heldon, Joao Novais – Helder Guedes
► Chaves Ricardo Nunes – Paulinho, Fabio Santos, Leandro Freire, Nelson Lenho – Rafael Assis Ponck – Bruno Braga, Perdigao, Fabio Martins – Willian
Tip: Both teams to score / YES
Stake: 5/10
Odds: 1.95 at bet365
