Belenenses vs Desportivo Aves Predictions

Belenenses could move into the top five if they can beat Aves and results elsewhere go in their favour, and Saturday’s hosts head into the game unbeaten in their last three Primeira Liga matches. The visitors sit eight points and seven places behind their hosts, but do have a very good recent record against Belenenses and will be hoping that continues on Saturday.

An own goal from Gonçalo Silva saw Rio Ave take a twenty-eighth minute lead at home to Belenenses last weekend and the hosts held their lead into the half time break. Belenenses responded in the second half and were back on level terms in the fifty-eighth minute thanks to a strike from Licá, but Gelson soon restored the hosts one goal advantage. A penalty kick from Fredy saw Belenenses rescue a point in the sixty-ninth minute, and in truth it was the very least the visitors deserved for their performance.

Aves progressed through to the next round of the Taca de Portugal on Wednesday, courtesy of a 2-0 win over fellow Primeira Liga side Chaves. The teams went in level at the break goalless, but just a minute into the second half and Aves were in front through Baldé. There only looked like one winner from this point on and the hosts confirmed their place in the next round of the cup thanks to a Vitor Gomes goal that made the final scoreline 2-0. Aves could now face Braga, Sporting CP, Porto, or Benfica in the next round, and if they get drawn at home they will fancy their chances against any of the big four.

When Belenenses and Aves last locked horns in February seven goals were produced as the visitors claimed a 5-2 win. Aves raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening half hour thanks to goals from Baldé, Elhouni, and an own goal from Tomás. A Paulo Machado penalty in the thirty-ninth minute made it 4-0 to the visitors, but Tomás did manage to atone for his own goal before the break to make the half time scoreline 4-1. An eighty-sixth minute penalty from Maurides brought Belenenses to within two goals of their guests, but Fariña wrapped up a 5-2 win for the visitors in the last minute.

Aves are the form favourites heading into Saturday’s game having won three, drawn one, and lost two of their last six matches, compared to their hosts who have lost two, drawn two, and won two. Angola’s Fredy has five league goals this season and top scores for Belenenses, three of which has arrived from the penalty spot. Baldé and Gomes joint top score for the visitors with three Primeira Liga goals apiece, while Defendi and Derley have chipped in with two goals each.

We’re confident that Aves will take something from this game and have backed the visitors with a double chance bet, and for the scoreline to end 3-2 in the visitors favour. Aves have won four, drawn one, and lost one of their last six matches against Belenenses, and have avoided defeat in 60% of their matches fifteen matches against this weekends hosts. Aves have won three and drawn one of their last six league and cup games, while Belenenses have only won two of their last six in all competitions.