Milan's 16-match unbeaten run continued with a 2-0 away win over Crotone on Sunday. They aim to complete their return to the Europa League's group stages at the first time of asking, but first a tricky away trip to Portugal awaits.

Rio Ave managed to stun Turkish giants Besiktas in last week's R3 qualifier, winning after extra time and penalties - having scored an 85th-minute equaliser.

Can they replicate that shock win, booking their place in the Europa League proper for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign? Who will progress into Friday's main draw? Read my match preview, for the correct score predictions and best betting tips ahead of this fixture.

Rio Ave vs Milan Betting Tips

Rio Ave's dramatic shootout win against Besiktas was followed by a goalless Primeira Liga draw against Vitoria SC three days later. It was their first clean sheet against Vitoria in their last eight competitive H2H meetings.

However, they've drawn four of their last five league games - across this new season and the previous - and a key man limped off injured too.

Carlos Mane, who played all 120 minutes and created the assist for Bruno Moreira's equaliser, came off after 33 minutes. Gabrielzinho replaced him but struggled, so head coach Mario Silva has a dilemma on the wings here.

Lucas Piazón, on his seventh loan spell from Chelsea, is expected to start. The 26-year-old Brazilian winger did so against Besiktas, but was replaced by Diego Lopes - perhaps the pair will dovetail in the final third.

Milan by contrast, have earned four clean sheets from their last five competitive matches. Matteo Gabbia and Simon Kjaer have developed a good understanding in central defence, while Brahim Diaz (on-loan from Real Madrid) scored on Sunday in his first start. Will he be rewarded here?

Rio Ave vs Milan Correct Score Predictions

Considering their impressive unbeaten streak since play resumed in June, Milan are strong favourites to progress.

They were suspended from European competition last term, so clinching a group stage berth means more this year - having been quietly excellent in 2020. Rio Ave will fancy their chances and know they're just 90 minutes away from Friday's draw too.