Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
Buoyed by back-to-back wins over Tondela and Vitoria Guimaraes, Rio Ave will be aiming to give fans yet another reason for celebration when they take on Famalicao in the Primeira Liga round 20. Miguel Cardoso’s troops failed to impress in the first half of the season, but they have been showing signs of improvement of late. Rio Ave aim to retain their spot in the top half of the table, and they should take advantage of Famalicao’s poor form.
The good news for the hosts is that important defender Toni Borevkovic returns from suspension. Famalicao, on the other hand, are running down a blind alley ahead of the trip to Vila do Conde. Jorge Silas’ troops suffered four defeats in the previous five league fixtures; therefore, we do not believe that they are capable of making life difficult for Rio Ave on the road. Defender Ruben Vinagre, who suffered an injury in the goalless draw with Belenenses, is unlikely to feature against Rio Ave.
Highlighted Player (Judilson Mamadu Tuncará Gomes):
Nicknamed Pele, Judilson Mamadu Tuncara Gomes is a 183-cm-tall midfielder who was born in Aqualva-Cacem Portugal. Despite being born in Portugal, Pele decided to represent Guinea-Bissau on the international stage. Judilson Mamadu Tuncara Gomes made two appearances Portugal U19 team, while receiving a call-up for the U20 team for a friendly against France.
Speaking of his senior debut, Pele played his first match for Guinea-Bissau on June 10, 2017 in a 1-0 win over Namibia. As for his club career, the Guinea-Bissau international played for the likes of Belenenses, Genoa, Milan, Arsenal Kyiv, Olhanense, Benfica, Pacos Ferreira, Feirense, Rio Ave and Monaco before joining Nottingham Forest on loan in 2019.
His main position is defensive midfield, but he is used as a central midfielder as well. Pele’s preferred foot is right and he has a contract with Monaco which should expire on June 30, 2023.
Highlighted Team (Famalicao):
Founded on August 21, 1931, Famalicao are a Portuguese football club that compete in the Primeira Liga. The colour of their home kit is white, with the team wearing blue shirts and blue shorts when playing on the travels.
Famalicao welcome their rivals at Estadio Municipal 22 de Junho Vila Nova de Famalicao, the venue with the capacity of 5,307 people. The stadium was opened in 1952 and ever since has been serving as the team’s home ground. Famalicao are owned by Quantum Pacific Group, the company which has a 32% share of famous La Liga side Atletico Madrid as well.
The Azuis e Brancos secured promotion to Primeira Liga for the first time in the 1946/1947 season and they returned to the Portuguese elite division in 2019. Famalicao recorded a 2-0 win over Santa Clara on their return to the Portuguese top flight, with Toni Martinez and Anderson finding the net for the visitors.