Viseu vs Rio Ave – News and Probable Lineups

After suffering two consecutive domestic cup defeats, Academico de Viseu will seek to bounce back in the Primeira Liga as they host Rio Ave at the Estadio Municipal do Fontelo this Sunday.

The Viseu outfit enters this match as one of the most significantly improved teams in the league, having secured victories in their last five league fixtures. Conversely, Rio Ave will aim to recover from a disheartening league performance and distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Match overview

After exiting the Taca de Portugal with a 1-0 defeat to CD Fatima from the Campeonato de Portugal two weeks ago, Academico de Viseu was again eliminated from the Taca da Liga on Wednesday, losing 1-0 to Porto.

Following his loan transfer from AC Milan in the summer, Santiago Gimenez managed to score his first goal at Estadio do Dragao with a penalty just before halftime, allowing Porto to progress to the semi-finals.

In the midst of those two cup losses, Academico Viseu recorded an impressive result last Sunday, narrowly beating 21-time Portuguese champions Sporting CP 2-1 at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, thanks to two goals from Joao Guilherme.

After a slow start with no wins in their first four matches, the recent victory marked their fifth consecutive league win, coming from previous victories against Estoril Praia, Estrela Amadora, Vitoria de Guimaraes, and Gil Vicente.

Academico Viseu earned promotion from the Segunda Liga last season, ending a 37-year absence from the top flight. They have swiftly established themselves within the upper tier of the Primeira Liga standings, currently holding sixth place with 17 points from nine games, tied on points with fifth-placed Arouca.

On the flip side, Rio Ave once again displayed their defensive frailties in a 4-0 defeat to Famalicao during their matchup at the Estadio do Rio Ave FC last Sunday.

Following a scoreless first half, the hosts were cut open in the second half, conceding goals from Romeo Beney, Pedro Santos, and a late brace from Oscar Aranda, leading Famalicao to a commanding league win.

This came after what looked like a resurgence for Rio Ave, with two consecutive victories in league and cup following a four-match winless run, starting with a narrow 3-2 win over Nacional on October 11, followed by a 1-0 victory against third-tier Louletano DC in the third round of the Taca de Portugal.

Vasco Seabra’s team has suffered six losses in their nine matches so far this season, managing only two wins and a draw, which places them 16th on the table with seven points, equal with Nacional and Casa Pia.

Rio Ave will be hopeful of turning things around this weekend against an opponent they have beaten in their last three encounters, however, their away form is concerning, having only achieved one victory in six Primeira Liga away matches prior to the trip to the Estadio Municipal do Fontelo.

Team News

Guilherme delivered a remarkable performance against Sporting CP last Sunday, and the Brazilian midfielder is expected to maintain his position in the forward line, partnering with Andre Clovis and 22-year-old Lorougnon Gohi.

Having been absent for the cup match versus Porto, Ricardo Ribeiro is set to return this weekend, bolstering the defensive line alongside Anthony Correia, Nikolaos Michelis, and Coventry City loanee Miguel Angel Brau.

On the other side, Rio Ave continues to miss Costa Rican midfielder Brandon Aguilera Zamora, who has been sidelined since January with a cruciate ligament injury.

Additionally, Polish goalkeeper Cezary Miszta has yet to make an appearance this season due to a back injury and will also be unavailable for the trip to the Estadio Municipal do Fontelo.

Academico de Viseu probable starting XI:

Ewerton; Ribeiro, Correia, Michelis, Brau; Kahraman, Silva, Messeguem; Guilherme, Gohi, Clovis

Rio Ave probable starting XI:

Hugh; Vrousai, Ntoi, Mancha, Tome; Liavas, Nascimento; Diogo Bezerra, Patricio, Clemmensen; Blesa

With a league-high tally of 21 goals conceded so far, defensive issues have been a significant hurdle for Rio Ave. Given Academico’s current league form, the visitors are anticipated to endure another challenging 90 minutes this weekend. While Rio Ave will take motivation from their past successes against Academico, it’s projected that Pinheiro’s side will secure the three points at home in front of their supporters.