The new Primeira Liga begins this weekend, with Rio Ave hosting Chaves at Estadio dos Arcos on Sunday.
The hosts have been involved in competitive action this term — featuring in two Taca da Liga games — while the club they welcome have featured in one.
Match preview
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Rio Ave seek to bounce back from their cup exit at the backend of last month when they start the 2023-24 league season against Chaves.
A 3-0 win over Academico Viseu in the first round of the Taca da Liga was followed by a 2-0 loss against Arouca, sending them out of the domestic cup competition this season.
Luis Freire's team ended last term in 12th, four spots away from the relegation playoff spot, even if they ended 14 points ahead of Maritimo in 16th.
Be that as it may, the Vila do Conde club will hope to start the new term positively to avoid a relegation tussle at the backend of the campaign.
Defeating Chaves will not be straightforward, even if a repeat of the corresponding fixture last season — a 1-0 triumph was secured by Rio Ave — will be music to Freire's ears.
Unlike the hosts, who have been involved in two competitive fixtures in 2023-24, the away side were beaten on penalties in the Taca da Liga First Round against AVS.
Since that loss, Flavienses have lost two of three friendly games, losing to Santa Clara and Famalicao either side of a 4-2 triumph over Feirense.
Last season's seventh-place finish was commendable, even if Jose Gomes's troops could have ended in the final continental spot had they ended higher than Vitoria de Guimaraes in sixth, but it was not to be.
Goals were in short supply last season, evidenced by 35 goals in 34 appearances, highlighting where Chaves' struggles lie.
Gomes's troops could not defeat Rio Ave last term, picking up one point front from a possible six, and similar could ensue this season.
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Team News
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Joca has been ruled out with a knee injury since last September, and the Rio Ave midfielder is still absent.
Despite Jorge Karse's promotion to the first team, Vilacondenses' minimal business regarding incomings means the lineup selected on Sunday could be similar to last season's side.
Issah Abass and Guima are suspended after picking up red cards in the final game of last season against Boavista.
Gomes is expected to set up his team in a 4-3-3 for the away side, looking to start the year positively.
Rio Ave possible starting lineup:
Jhonatan; Santos, Pantalon, William; Costinha, Oudrhiri, Guga, Ronaldo; Boateng, Ruiz, Hernani
Chaves possible starting lineup:
Souza; Correia, Rodrigues, Vitoria, Langa; Pedro, Ktatau, Pinho; Benny, Hernandez, Melro
We say: Rio Ave 1-1 Chaves
Both sides may have to settle for a point on Sunday, with Rio Ave continuing their unbeaten run against Chaves.
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