On Friday night, Moreirense host Rio Ave in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, as both teams look to finish the season in a strong manner.
Moreirense have experienced a respectable campaign so far in the Primeira Liga this season, as they are currently fifth-place in the table. However, the home side is also 15 points behind Sporting Braga, who occupy fourth-place and the final European spot.
Moreirense may have challenged for a European spot if their form had not been so inconsistent of late in the Portuguese top-flight. In fact, the home side has won just two of their last nine league matches, while failing to win in their last three and suffering two straight defeats.
Their recent league outings have been relatively low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five matches.
The home side’s recent home record is inconsistent, as they have won just one of their last four matches on home soil in the Portuguese top-flight. Moreirense have hosted both Benfica and Sporting Braga in those four home games, though.
Rio Ave are currently eighth-place in the Primeira Liga in a congested part of the table. in reality, the visitors are just eight points clear of the relegation zone in the Portuguese top-flight.
The visitors recent league form has been inconsistent. However, Rio Ave are now three games unbeaten in the Primeira Liga, having won twice and drawn once. The aforementioned draw was last time out when they drew 2-2 against Porto, a highly creditable result.
Rio Ave’s recent away record in the Portuguese top-flight has been inconsistent, as they have won two, lost two and drawn one of their last five games on their travels in the Primeira Liga.
Forebet predicts that Moreirense will record a victory in a low-scoring encounter to consolidate fifth-place in the Primeira Liga.