Famalicao vs Rio Ave Prediction 16.02.2024

• Competition: Portugal - Primeira Liga
• Date: Friday, 16th, February 2024
• Kickoff: 20:15 UTC / 21.15 CET
• Venue: Estadio Municipal de Famalicao (Vila Nova de Famalicao)

Two sides separated by two points in the lower half of the Primeira Liga table go head-to-head on Friday as Famalicao hosts Rio Ave at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao.

While putting an end to their narrow back-to-back Primeira Liga losses, Famalicao simultaneously extended their winless streak to three matches after squandering an early lead to concede a devastating equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time away to Farense (1-1). Despite their determination to contend for European qualification this term, Joao Pedro Sousa's crew has utterly floundered, accruing a below-par 23 points, leaving them in a precarious situation with just a three-point buffer from the danger zone. Admittedly, Fama take comfort in knowing they have one game in hand over the majority, including the lower-ranked sides, yet they must ramp up their performance in the upcoming weeks to steer clear of dropping into the bottom trio.

Meanwhile, Rio Ave sets off on a brief 38-kilometer trip buoyed by optimism after overcoming Casa Pia's staunch defensive resistance in a clash of relegation-threatened sides, with Aziz leading the charge to seal a vital 1-0 win in the closing stages. With a late, though well-deserved, weekend success in their pocket, the Vilacondenses have stretched their undefeated streak to four matches in the Portuguese top-flight, following three straight draws - including impressive holding Porto to a scoreless draw  - pushing them clear of the relegation zone, albeit with only a slender one-point buffer preventing a potential plunge back into trouble.

Famalicao vs Rio Ave Betting Tips: Under 2.5

In a clash involving the two least efficient sides, coupled with the fact that both will approach with added caution to avoid failure and a potential plunge into the basement, a tough defensive affair is expected at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao, where a single goal could decide the winner. One of the reasons behind Famalicao's below-par campaign lies in their struggles to penetrate opposition defenses, managing to bulge the net a mere 19 times in 20 league outings, placing them among the weakest scorers in the Primeira Liga, shoulder-to-shoulder in scoring with relegation-threatened Casa Pia and Vizela. 

Having only managed to find the net twice in the last three outings in the top division, with one of those goals coming from a penalty kick, the feeble Famalicao could struggle to score as they welcome Rio Ave, whose defense has become as sturdy as granite lately. Indeed, the White and Greens from Vila do Conde have gone four matches on the bounce without losing thanks to the outstanding work of their defensive quarter, who have remained unbreached in goal on three occassions during the aforementioned unbeaten run, including an impressive shutout against the mighty Porto in a goalless draw. Taking into consideration that Famalicao (8/12) and Rio Ave (6/15) have breached the 2.5 goals barrier the least number of times this term among their counterparts, coupled with the fact that in four out of the last five H2H's, we haven't seen more than two goals, we can anticipate a cautious and low-scoring affair.