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Rio Ave vs AFS Predictions & Betting Tips - Home Win in Liga Portugal

matthew-marshall
Editor
Last updated: Thu 16 Apr 2026 10:07
In the upcoming Primeira Liga encounter, Rio Ave appears to be in a strong position to secure a victory against AFS. Sitting in improved form, having won four of their last five matches, Rio Ave is eyeing a spot in the top half of the table. AFS, languishing at the bottom with a dismal away record, have struggled with consistency and scoring, making them unlikely to pose a significant threat. Football experts suggest a strong potential for a home win, with Rio Ave securing three points.
Matthew Marshall 16 Apr 2026
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  • Rio Ave have found form, winning 4 of their last 5 matches
  • AFS haven’t scored in 4 straight road games, sit bottom on the table
  • I am backing the hosts to take all three points in Portugal
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Rio Ave
Rio Ave have won 4 of their last 5 matches (Getty)

Rio Ave are back in form and eyeing a return to the top half of the table. AFS have been relegation candidates all season, the visitors likely to leave Vila do Conde empty handed.

HTH - Fourth Clash


These clubs have met three times, both teams winning once each.

Rio Ave Rejuvinated


Rio Ave lost six consecutive matches this year but have turned it around, winning four of their previous five games. Jalen Blesa was signed in early February and has played a big role.

The striker scored in a 1-0 win at Tondela, bagged two in a 2-1 victory against Estrela da Amadora and converted a second half penalty in a 2-1 win at Estoril.

Blesa scored against Alverca but it wasn’t enough to overturn an early 2-0 deficit, falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat.

Sotiris Sylaidopoulos’ side kept it tight in the Azores last time out, earning a 2-0 win at Santa Clara. It was a game of few chances, Tamas Nikitscher scoring before an own goal got it done.

Relegation Awaits for AFS


AFS remain bottom in Liga Portugal with relegation close to being secured. Their away form has been horrendous, losing 10 of 14 on the road with eight goals scored and 37 conceded.

Joao Henriques became the third manager of the season in December. It has made little difference, winning one of his 16 matches in charge.

The Vila das Aves club lost 3-0 at Gil Vicente in their last away match, a fourth straight road game with out a goal.

AFS earned a 1-1 draw against Vitoria de Guimaraes on Saturday. They had 40% possession, 0.90-2.37 xG and were satisfied with the point.

Predicted Lineups & Team News


Rio Ave (4-2-3-1) Ennio van der Gouw; Marios Vrousai, Jakub Brabec, Gustavo Mancha, Nelson Abbey; Tamas Nikitscher, Andreas Ntoi; Diogo Bezerra, Olé Pohlmann, Dario Spikic; Jalen Blesa

Jalen Blesa didn’t get off the bench against Santa Clara but could return up front at the expense of Tamble Monteiro or Olé Pohlmann.

AFS (4-3-3) Adriel; Matheus Pivo, Cristian Devenish, Paulo Vitor, Daniel Rivas; Gustavo Mendonca, Roni, Pedro Lima; Tunde Akinsola, Tomane, Óscar Perea

Óscar Perea could replace Andre Green on the left wing.

Verdict

Rio Ave have found their form after selling their two best players in January. AFS have a horrible road record and I don’t expect that to improve in Vila do Conde.

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Best Bet2: Rio Ave Win To Nil @19/10 at bet365 - 1 Unit
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17 Apr 2026

Rio Ave v AVS