Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Arouca
Rio Ave
On Monday, February 10, Arouca and Rio Ave will conclude Matchday 21 of the Portuguese League. The match kicks off at 21:15 CET, and I suggest a bet for this game.
Arouca vs Rio Ave: Match preview
- Arouca are unbeaten in their last five matches, with three wins and two draws.
- Rio Ave are on a three-match unbeaten run, with two wins and a draw.
- Arouca have scored at least one goal in eight consecutive matches.
- Rio Ave are unbeaten and have scored in three consecutive away matches.
- Arouca have the fourth-worst attack in the Portuguese League, with only 18 goals scored.
- Arouca score in both halves in 9% of their matches, while Rio Ave do so in 33%.
- Arouca have won 23% of their matches without conceding, while Rio Ave have managed only 13%.
- Rio Ave defeated Arouca 1-0 in their last meeting. In their last five encounters, Rio Ave have won twice, lost once, and drawn twice.
Arouca vs Rio Ave: Match analysis
Arouca are currently in the lower half of the table, but their recent run of results has helped them climb away from the relegation zone. They are unbeaten in their last five matches, securing three wins and two draws. After 20 rounds, they have collected 22 points and have built a five-point cushion above the drop zone. Despite their attacking struggles—having scored just 18 goals, the fourth-worst tally in the league—they have managed to find the net in eight consecutive matches. Slowly but surely, Arouca are addressing their attacking issues and moving further from the danger zone.
Rio Ave are not far ahead of Arouca in the standings. They have accumulated 24 points and sit in 10th place, just two points ahead of their opponents. The team is also in decent form, unbeaten in their last three matches, and with only one loss in their last seven games—a defeat to Sporting CP. However, despite their mid-table position, Rio Ave have the worst defense in the league, conceding 34 goals so far. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 matches.
Predicted lineups
- Arouca: Mantl; Esgaio, Lamba, Fontán, Weverson; Fukui, Simão; Sylla, Gozálbez, Trezza; Araújo
- Rio Ave: Miskta; Vrushaj, Petrasso, Ntoi, Richards; Neto, Tiqnaz; Bondoso, Pohlmann, Morais; Clayton
Prediction
Both Arouca and Rio Ave come into this match in good form and are unbeaten in recent games. The gap between them in the standings is minimal, making this a crucial and competitive encounter. I expect a tight match with few goals. My bet is on under 2.5 total goals at odds of 1.71.
