On Friday night, Santa Clara host Rio Ave at the Estadio de Sao Miguel in the Primeira Liga, as the visitors look to continue their solid campaign.
The home side has struggled for consistency this season and kick-off this game just four points clear of the relegation zone. A 1-0 win at Deportivo Aves last time out in the Primeira Liga, ended a seven-game winless streak. Prior to the win, Santa Clara had suffered three defeats in their previous four league outings.
The fact that the home side has conceded at least two goals in their last five league matches has not helped their chances of moving clear of the drop zone. However, their first clean sheet in eight games in their last outing will offer the home side some encouragement.
Santa Clara’s recent home form in the Portuguese has been poor, as they have failed to win in their last four outings on home soil, suffering three straight defeats, while conceding at least two goals in their last losses.
Já podes ler a crónica do jogo frente ao Sporting CP, para a Liga Revelação ℹ️ https://t.co/kLulGxot7t#sub23rafc #rioavefc #muitonossosemigual pic.twitter.com/9z8CrA6MBH— Rio Ave FC (@RioAve_FC) January 7, 2020
Já podes ler a crónica do jogo frente ao Sporting CP, para a Liga Revelação ℹ️ https://t.co/kLulGxot7t#sub23rafc #rioavefc #muitonossosemigual pic.twitter.com/9z8CrA6MBH
Rio Ave could move up to fifth-place in the Primeira Liga table with a victory. However, they are only two points ahead of the home side in the league.
Their recent Primeira Liga form has been inconsistent, as Carlos Carvalhal’s team has won just once in their last four outings. Last time out in the league, the visitors suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Maritimo.
Rio Ave’s recent Primeira Liga matches have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last ten outings.
The visitors have struggled for results on their travels of late in the Portuguese top-flight, failing to win in four matches, picking up two draws and suffering two defeats.
Forebet predicts that Rio Ave will record a victory in a high-scoring game to move up to fifth-place.