Porto vs. Rio de Janeiro – News and Probable Lineups

Porto may find their commanding four-point advantage atop the Primeira Liga diminished before even playing on Sunday, as they take on Rio Ave at Estadio do Dragao.

The Dragons will play a day after second-placed Sporting Lisbon takes on Moreirense in their matchday 23 fixture, yet the league leaders are likely feeling optimistic about maintaining their gap, facing a visiting side that is currently struggling.

Match overview

Porto rebounded from a brief setback with another solid performance, as Jan Bednarek’s goal in the 60th minute secured a 1–0 victory against Nacional last weekend.

The Dragons, who had responded to their 2–1 defeat at Casa Pia with a 1–1 draw against Sporting in their previous matches, have now triumphed in 19 of their 22 league games this season (D2, L1).

A significant factor in Porto’s impressive form has been their strong defensive play, having conceded the fewest goals in the league with just seven and keeping the highest number of clean sheets (16), while their offense has showcased its strength by scoring 43 goals.

Looking to secure a domestic double this season, the Dragons are set for a challenging start in March, featuring a Taca de Portugal semi-final against Sporting followed by a vital O Classico clash against Benfica in the Primeira Liga.

Thus, Porto needs to build as much momentum as possible going into those significant fixtures, with this weekend’s match and an additional home clash against Arouca in between.

The Dragons enter Sunday’s encounter in good spirits, having won 22 of their last 26 encounters against Rio Ave (D1) at the Dragao.

This situation makes the task much more challenging for the struggling visitors, who have lost their last five matches, leaving Sotiris Silaidopoulos under increasing scrutiny.

On a positive note, a tactical switch in last weekend’s 2–1 defeat to Moreirense inspired a more competitive performance from the Vilacondenses; Silaidopoulos’s team managed to score for the first time in five matches, thanks to Jalen Blesa’s equalizer, though Mateja Stjepanovic ensured victory for the Minho side.

Following the match, Silaidopoulos maintained that he is still “the right person” to guide Rio Ave out of their tough situation, with the team currently sitting 15th in the standings, just three points clear of the relegation playoff spot, making a positive result from Sunday’s match crucial.

Despite their difficulties at the Dragao, the Vilacondenses can take some encouragement from their visit in February 2024, when they held the Dragons to a goalless draw, although Rioavistas have since lost two of the three matches between the teams (D1), including a 3–0 loss in September.

Team News

Porto will still be without striker Samu Omorodion after knee surgery, which will see him sidelined for the remainder of the season, as will fellow forward Luuk de Jong, who has been out since November.

Defender Martim Fernandes has also been unavailable for the last two matches due to injury, while the defensive options are further restricted with Jakub Kiwior missing the prior game due to fitness issues.

Meanwhile, long-term absentee Nehuen Perez is still recovering from an Achilles tendon injury he sustained in September.

For Rio Ave, midfielder Brandon Aguilera has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Arouca on matchday 20.

Goalkeeper Cezary Miszta is anticipated to miss his fifth straight match due to a back issue, so Ennio van der Gouw is set to remain as the first-choice keeper.

Head coach Silaidopoulos shifted from his typical three-man defense to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation last time around, and following the improved display, the Greek manager is likely to maintain that tactic.

Porto probable starting XI:

D Costa; A Costa, Bednarek, T Silva, Moura; Froholdt, Varela, Veiga; Pepe, Gul, Sainz

Rio Ave probable starting XI:

Van der Gouw; Vrousai, Brabec, Mancha, O Richards, Nikitscher, Ntoi; Bezerra, Blesa, Spikic; Monteiro

Although Porto is lacking in attacking options, they are still likely to secure a victory with another composed performance, especially against opponents who are struggling in the final third and away from home.

Rio Ave has faced defeat in their last three away games without managing to score, and they might find it challenging once again against hosts that have won 15 of their 18 home matches across all competitions this season (D2, L1).