Rio Ave vs Benfica Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

On Saturday, 17 January, Rio Ave will host Benfica at the Estádio dos Arcos in what promises to be an intriguing clash in Liga Portugal. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to secure vital points in the league standings. Rio Ave, playing at home, will aim to leverage their familiarity with the Estádio dos Arcos to challenge the visiting Benfica side.

Benfica, a powerhouse in Portuguese football, will be keen to assert their dominance and continue their pursuit of the Liga Portugal title. The encounter at the Estádio dos Arcos is set to test the resilience and tactical acumen of both teams. With much at stake for both sides, this match could have significant implications for their respective league campaigns.

Rio Ave vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Benfica to win	1.3

Considering the current form and statistics, Benfica look strong favourites to win this match. The odds for Benfica are quite attractive, making this a potentially profitable bet.

• Rio Ave concede an average of 1.8 goals per match, indicating a vulnerable defence.
• Benfica often score in the 31-45 minute interval, suggesting they can capitalise on first-half opportunities.
• Rio Ave tend to concede most goals in the latter part of the game, making it likely that Benfica will score late goals to secure the win.

Betting Odds

In this Liga Portugal clash, Benfica are clear favourites with betting odds of 1.3, reflecting their dominant form this season. Rio Ave, meanwhile, are considered underdogs at 9.32, but playing at the Estádio dos Arcos could give them a slight edge.

Betting Tip	Odds
Rio Ave to win	9.32
Draw	5.1
Benfica to win	1.3

The draw is priced at 5.1, suggesting that while it is unlikely, it is not out of the question. For those looking at alternative markets, consider both teams to score, given Benfica’s attacking prowess and Rio Ave’s potential to surprise at home.

Rio Ave Analysis & Past Performance

Rio Ave have shown mixed performances in recent outings, securing only two victories in their last five matches, with one draw and two defeats. Their most recent match was a 3-1 triumph over Casa Pia AC, highlighting their attacking potential. However, the team also suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Sporting CP, underlining their defensive frailties.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Rio Ave	Casa Pia AC	3 – 1 (Win)	Liga Portugal	4 Jan 2026
Sporting CP	Rio Ave	4 – 0 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	28 Dec 2025
Gil Vicente	Rio Ave	2 – 2 (Draw)	Liga Portugal	20 Dec 2025
Rio Ave	Vitoria de Guimaraes	0 – 1 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	13 Dec 2025
AVS Futebol SAD	Rio Ave	1 – 2 (Win)	Liga Portugal	6 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In terms of recent form, Rio Ave have averaged 1.40 goals per match in their last five fixtures, scoring in three out of these five games. However, their defence has been a concern, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per game and failing to keep any clean sheets during this period. This defensive vulnerability is compounded by the fact that they have allowed their opponents to score in every match of their last five fixtures.

Their home performances have mirrored their overall form, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches at the Estádio dos Arcos. With a win ratio of 40% at home, their inconsistency is evident. Despite this, Clayton has been a standout performer, contributing significantly to their attacking play with 10 goals this season, accounting for 45% of the team’s total goals.

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Rio Ave Suspensions & Injuries

Rio Ave face some challenges with injuries as they prepare to host Benfica. The absence of Theofanis Bakoulas and Omar Richards, both listed as doubtful, could impact their defensive and midfield strategies. Bakoulas, who is dealing with a ligament injury, has been a mainstay in the defensive line, and his potential absence will require adjustments from coach Sotiris Sylaidopoulos. Meanwhile, Richards, suffering from a knee injury, will leave a gap in midfield, where his dynamic presence is often pivotal.

With these key players potentially out, Rio Ave may look to Francisco Petrasso and João Tomé to step up and fill these roles. Petrasso, who has shown versatility in defence, might be asked to take on more responsibility, while Tomé could see increased action in midfield. These changes will test Rio Ave’s depth and flexibility, as the replacements will need to match the physicality and tactical awareness of the injured players.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Theofanis Bakoulas	Ligament injury	Doubtful
Omar Richards	Knee injury	Doubtful

The tactical impact of these injuries could see Rio Ave adopting a more conservative approach, relying on a solid backline and strategic counter-attacks. This adjustment is crucial against a formidable Benfica side, as Rio Ave will need to be defensively sound while still finding opportunities to press forward. The betting markets might anticipate a tighter match, given the potential defensive vulnerabilities and adjustments required by these absences.

Overall, the absence of Bakoulas and Richards could significantly influence the match’s dynamics, making it imperative for Rio Ave to adapt quickly to maintain competitiveness against Benfica.

Rio Ave Key Players

Leading the line for Rio Ave is Clayton, the top scorer with 10 goals. His sharp instincts in front of goal and ability to exploit spaces make him a constant threat to any defence. Clayton’s scoring prowess is pivotal for Rio Ave, often being the focal point in their attacking plays. His partnership with André Luiz and Dario Špikić in the forward line provides a dynamic and versatile attack, capable of unsettling opposition defences with their pace and creativity.

In midfield, the likes of Marios Vrousai and Brandon Aguilera are instrumental in orchestrating play. Vrousai’s vision and Aguilera’s energy offer a balance of creativity and tenacity, key in controlling the tempo and breaking down opposition lines. At the back, Jakub Brabec’s leadership and defensive acuity are crucial for maintaining solidity, especially against a formidable Benfica attack.

Expected lineup for Rio Ave

• Goalkeeper: Cezary Miszta
• Defence: Francisco Petrasso, Jakub Brabec, Nelson Abbey
• Midfield: Marios Vrousai, Andreas Ntoi, Brandon Aguilera, João Tomé
• Forward: André Luiz, Clayton, Dario Špikić

Rio Ave Tactics and Formation

Rio Ave Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Clayton
• Midfield Pivot: João Tomé and Andreas-Richardos Ntoi
• Defensive Challenge: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Attacking through the wings and set-pieces.

Rio Ave’s 4-3-3 formation provides a balanced approach, allowing them to engage both offensively and defensively. With João Tomé and Andreas-Richardos Ntoi in midfield, they maintain control of the game while transitioning the ball effectively to their attacking trio.

Defensively, Rio Ave have struggled, conceding goals in each of their last five matches, which highlights their vulnerability at the back. The absence of key defenders due to injuries, such as Theofanis Bakoulas and Omar Richards, has further compounded their defensive challenges.

Offensively, Rio Ave rely heavily on their top scorer, Clayton, to lead the attack, supported by wingers André Luiz and Dario Špikić. Their strategy often focuses on exploiting the wide areas and capitalising on set-pieces, where they can use their aerial prowess to create scoring opportunities.

Benfica Analysis & Past Performance

Benfica’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches across all competitions. Their last outing saw them narrowly defeated by FC Porto in the Taça de Portugal with a 0-1 scoreline, marking a second consecutive loss following a League Cup defeat to Braga. However, their balance in attack and defence was evident in a prior 3-1 victory over Estoril, highlighting their scoring prowess.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	Competition	Date
FC Porto	Benfica	1 – 0 (Defeat)	Portuguese Cup	14 Jan 2026
Benfica	Braga	1 – 3 (Defeat)	League Cup	7 Jan 2026
Benfica	Estoril	3 – 1 (Victory)	Primeira Liga	3 Jan 2026
Braga	Benfica	2 – 2 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	28 Dec 2025
Benfica	Famalicão	1 – 0 (Victory)	Primeira Liga	22 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

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Offensively, Benfica have averaged 1.40 goals per game in their last five fixtures, with a total of 7 goals scored. Defensively, they have conceded an equal number of goals, averaging 1.40 per match, and have kept just one clean sheet. Despite these challenges, their away form remains robust, with a 60% win ratio, winning three out of their last five away encounters. Their ability to score in 4 out of the last 5 matches underscores their offensive capabilities, driven by top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis.

Benfica Suspensions & Injuries

Benfica face significant challenges due to a string of injuries to key players. Alexander Bah and Bruma are both doubtful with cruciate ligament and Achilles tendon injuries, respectively. Their absence is expected to weaken Benfica’s defensive and attacking options. The injury to Dodi Lukebakio, who is out with a broken ankle until late March, further complicates the tactical setup for the team. Henrique Araújo and Samuel Soares are also doubtful, which might impact Benfica’s bench strength.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Alexander Bah	Cruciate ligament injury	Doubtful
Bruma	Achilles tendon injury	Doubtful
Nuno Félix	Strain injury	Doubtful
Dodi Lukebakio	Broken ankle	Late March 2026
Henrique Araújo	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Samuel Soares	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Enzo Barrenechea	Shoulder injury	Early February 2026
João Veloso	Shoulder injury	Early February 2026

With crucial players like Alexander Bah missing, Benfica will likely rely on Amar Dedić to fill the void in defence. In midfield, without Bruma, Fredrik Aursnes and Richard Rios will have to step up to maintain creativity and control. The forward line, already missing Lukebakio, will depend heavily on Vangelis Pavlidis to lead the attack, requiring tactical adjustments from José Mourinho to keep the team competitive.

These injuries could have a significant impact on Benfica’s performance against Rio Ave. The absence of key players might influence the betting markets, potentially making Benfica a less favourable option despite their strong squad depth. Mourinho’s ability to adapt his tactics will be crucial in overcoming these challenges and securing a positive result.

Benfica Key Players

Benfica’s attacking prowess will be spearheaded by Vangelis Pavlidis, the team’s top scorer with an impressive tally of 17 goals. Pavlidis’s ability to find the back of the net with clinical precision is a significant asset for Benfica. His movement off the ball and sharp finishing skills make him a constant threat to opposition defences, providing Benfica with a reliable goal-scoring outlet.

Supporting Pavlidis in attack, Gianluca Prestianni and Georgiy Sudakov will play pivotal roles. Prestianni’s pace and dribbling skills on the wing can unsettle any defensive line, while Sudakov’s playmaking abilities and vision offer creativity and support from behind the striker. In midfield, Manuel Jorge Silva’s dynamic box-to-box play is crucial for linking defence and attack, ensuring fluid transitions. Defensively, the experienced Nicolás Otamendi, alongside the young António Silva, forms a solid partnership tasked with maintaining stability at the back.

Expected lineup for Benfica

• Goalkeeper: Anatoliy Trubin
• Defenders: Amar Dedić, Nicolás Otamendi, António Silva, Samuel Dahl
• Midfielders: Richard Rios, Manuel Jorge Silva, Leandro Barreiro
• Forwards: Gianluca Prestianni, Georgiy Sudakov, Vangelis Pavlidis

Benfica Tactics and Formation

Benfica Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis
• Midfield Dynamics: Fredrik Aursnes and Richard Rios
• Defensive Structure: Amar Dedić and António Silva crucial in defence
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions.

Benfica’s 4-2-3-1 formation under José Mourinho emphasises control and adaptability. The midfield axis of Fredrik Aursnes and Richard Rios is pivotal, combining defensive stability with forward thrust. Gianluca Prestianni often operates in the attacking midfield role, linking play effectively with forward Vangelis Pavlidis, who is their top scorer.

Defensively, Benfica rely on the strong partnership of Amar Dedić and António Silva. This duo has been instrumental in maintaining clean sheets, though recent injuries to key defenders like Alexander Bah may necessitate tactical adjustments.

Offensively, Benfica thrive on high pressing and rapid transitions, a strategy that has seen them maintain a strong away form. Despite recent mixed results, their ability to score consistently keeps them competitive in Liga Portugal.

Rio Ave vs Benfica Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Rio Ave and Benfica, it is clear that Benfica have dominated with 37 wins out of 48 matches. Rio Ave have managed just 3 victories, while 10 encounters have ended in draws. The last time these two met, it was a 1-1 draw at Benfica’s home ground in Liga Portugal.

The last time Rio Ave hosted Benfica at the Estádio dos Arcos, it was a narrow 3-2 victory for Benfica back in March 2025. Despite Rio Ave’s home advantage, Benfica’s strong form in this fixture is evident, making them the favourites once again.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Benfica	Rio Ave	1 – 1	Portuguese League	2025-09-23
Rio Ave	Benfica	2 – 3	Portuguese League	2025-03-16
Benfica	Rio Ave	5 – 0	Portuguese League	2024-10-27
Rio Ave	Benfica	1 – 1	Portuguese League	2024-05-17
Benfica	Rio Ave	4 – 1	Portuguese League	2024-01-14