Rio Ave – Steaua

Rio Ave takes on Steaua Bucharest in this Europa League clash, with the hosts absolutely needing a win if they are to stand any chance for advancing.

Rio Ave (4th place) gained exactly zero points thus far in Group J, while Dynamo Kiev, Steaua and Aalborg are tied with 6 points, so needless to say there`s no other option than the win for the Portugese side. They have been a little disappointing with these zero points considering the fact that they are a good, organized side, often capable of challenging much better opponents – as seen last year in the Portugese cups or even in the last round, a 0-1 defeat to Benfica (on the road). However, they do not have european experience and experience is such an underrated factor.

Steaua is on the back of a morale bossting 3-0 win over historical rivals Dinamo Bucharest. Though the result was nowhere near what happened on the pitch and the win was rather lucky, Steaua again showed intelligence, pragmatism and clinical goal scoring efficiency, as they always were able to do in Romania and in Europa League as well. Right now Steaua won 5 of the last 6 games and they would relish another win here in Portugal in order to make their job of qualifying easier.

Bet on Rio Ave vs. Steaua Bucharest with the best Europa League odds at Pinnacle.

Team news & lineups

Rio Ave is expected to field a similar lineup to the one that almost held Benfica to a draw, while Steaua does not have notable injuries or suspensions aside from key attacking midfielder Rusescu.

Rio Ave: Cássio – Nuno Lopes, Marcelo, Gouoano, Tiago Pinto – Wakaso, Tarantini – Ukra, Diego Lopes, Del Valle – Esmaël

Steaua: Arlauskis – Papp, Szukała, Varela, Latovlevici – Prepeliţă, Sânmărtean – Ad. Popa, Chipciu, Tănase – Keserü

Two weeks ago Steaua won 2-1 at home, but Rio Ave played a real good game and should have probably got a draw in that match. On one hand Rio Ave proved their worth, on the other Steaua will be more careful this time, as the Romanians were vastly underestimating Rio Ave in the first leg.

Listen, Rio Ave is not a bad team, but they are not world beaters either and their lack of experience was more than obvious so far in Europa League. Steaua is a team in good form, with slightly better individual quality and most importantly they relish these matches against weaker European sides – always being able to complete the job. I expect Steaua to take advantage of Rio Ave’s desperation to win, coupled with the lack of experience for the Portugese side, and get a huge road win. My tip is Steaua to win, but I`m taking them with a +0 asian handicap (draw no bet). Look for experience to be the difference maker here. Prediction: Rio Ave – Steaua Bucharest 1-2.

Pick: Steaua (+0 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.97 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.76
Event date: 6 November