Rio Ave vs Vitoria Guirmaraes Prediction

Rounding out game week 14 of the Primeira League, Vitoria Guirmaraes get ready to make the trip to Rio Ave. The two teams go into this game separated by six points in the league table, with Rio Ave sat 10th with 15 points, while the visitors are on 21 points and currently sit in the sixth spot. Going into this game, Rio Ave will be hoping to bounce back after a great run of results was halted by a 1-0 defeat to Santa Clara last weekend. This game also gives an opportunity for Vitoria Guirmaraes to move into fifth in the table ever so closer to a Conference League qualifiers spot.

Key Stats

• Vitoria Guirmaraes have scored 11 in their last 5 matches, with 5 of those coming away from home
• ** Vitoria Guirmaraes have struggled with away form, only acquiring eight points from a possible 21**
• In their last 10 meetings, Rio Ave have won 4 times, they drew 3 times and Vitoria Guirmaraes won 3 times

Team Preview, Form and Standout Players

Since the appointment of new manager Petit on November 6th, it has been obvious over the massive difference in quality and after winning his first 3 games in charge, he was already cementing himself as a fan-favourite. But a recent loss to a flying Santa Clara means that Rio Ave need to bounce back and close the gap, as a win on Monday night could see them move up the table and only 3 points behind their opponents on the night.

On the other side of the field, travelling club Vitoria Guirmaraes will look to establish some sort of consistent form. While the results have come in, it has been unremarkable at times but with also moments of brilliance. Sitting sixth in the league, they will be doing everything they can to keep themselves up but also keep their opponents down.

Rio Ave Preview

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-Up: Cezary Miszta; Omar Richards, Aderllan Santos, Joao Tome, Mario Vrousai; Martin Neto, Joao Novais, Demir Tiknaz; Tiago Morais, Clayton, Kiko Bondoso

Rio Ave have been very impressive under new boss Petit, average two points per game and have only lost one out of their last five games. The former defensive midfielder has done a fantastic job with making the attack more direct, scoring seven goals over the four games he has been in charge, but he will need to focus on the defensive ability a lot more over the current stages as his side are the second- highest team in the league for goals conceded.

Joining the team on loan this season, Brazilian striker Clayton has been tearing it up for the Northern Portuguese side. After 13 games, he has currently conjured up six goals and an assist and has cemented himself as a vital name on Petit’s team sheet. After picking up a yellow card against Santa Clara, starting centre back Patrick is suspended for this game, meaning 21-year-old Joao Tome is likely to get the nod from Petit, making it his fourth start of the season and looking to impress as the defence is where Rio Ave struggle the most.

Vitoria Guirmaraes Preview

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-Up: Bruno Varela; Joao Mendes, Mikel Villanueva, Oscar Rivas, Albert Baio; Samu, Tomas Handel, Manu Silva; Nuno Santos, Nelson Oliveira, Kaio

Os Conquistadores have not been living up to the nickname so far in this 2024/2025 Primeira League season. A resounding win over St. Gallen in the Conference League saw them stay undefeated so far in the tournament and ranked second in the table, only behind a dominating Chelsea side. But this has not been translated into the league so far, with rocky form leading fans to speculate how they are currently sat sixth in the table.

Venezuelan defender Mikel Villanueva made a comeback into the side for their midweek European game against St. Gallen and had a satisfactory performance overall, and with defender Jorge Fernandes bouncing in and out of the squad with injury, manager Rui Borges will be looking to the Venezuelan international for a consistent starter.

Head-to-Head Stats: Rio Ave vs Victoria Guirmaraes

In the earlier fixture, it was Rio Ave who came out on top with a 2-1 victory in game where Vitoria SC were the more dominant side. Enjoying more of the possession and being more accurate with passing and shots on target, it was Rio Ave that took everything they got and sent Vitoria SC home with nothing but a consolation goal. However, with the defensive struggles of Rio Ave and coming into this game off a loss, will they be able to withstand Vitoria Guirmaraes.

Betting Tips for Rio Ave vs Vitoria Guirmaraes

Rio Ave are unplayable at home, going undefeated at home in the league for over a year now, but with Vitoria Guirmaraes coming into the game with the momentum from their Conference League win.

For that reason, our betting experts believe Both Teams To Score is the best value tip for this game.

Odds of 19/20 would mean that a stake of £10 could see a return of up to £19.50.

Final Prediction: Rio Ave vs Vitoria Guirmaraes

Rio Ave 2-2 Vitoria Guirmaraes

With their current form going into this game, Rio Ave are sure to maintain their undefeated at home streak, but I think their opposition going into the game are sure to put up a fight.