Bitesize Prediction: Rio Ave vs Arouca – 19/04/24

Competition: Primeira Liga

Market: Over 1.5 goals

Odds: 2/5 @ 1xBet

Hoping to spring an upset and extend on their recent flurry, Arouca will travel to the Estadio dos Arcos when they meet Rio Ave on Friday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Rio Ave might have opened up April with a stellar 3-0 romp at home against Gil Vicente, Luis Freire’s men have continued on a real inconsistent run this season. Missing out on what they billed as a potential opportunity last week as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate away at relegation scrappers Estrela, the Vilacondenses has seen his squad collect a single point from six of their previous seven Primeira Liga appearances. Although Rio Ave might open this weekend’s fixtures sat just a single point adrift of breaking into the top-half of the table, they have registered just two wins from any of their previous 12 showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to January 7th. Despite continuing to gain a reputation for their rugged approach at the Estadio dos Arcos and not suffering a single loss in front of their own supporters since the end of October, Freire’s side could face a tricky challenge here.

As for the visitors, although Arouca might have long since accepted that they will be unable to punch a famous European ticket this season, the Yellows are in the midst of a real flurry. Continuing to gain a string of plaudits from across Portugal’s elite this year, Daniel Sousa’s men will be confident of making another top-flight statement here. Last seen claiming a 2-1 victory at home against Boavista, the Porto-based outfit have won all of their previous three appearances on the spin and the mood in their camp should be at a real high. With their recent purple patch highlighted by a stunning 3-0 romp away at Braga earlier in the month, Arouca will also be excited by their success on the road. Opening March with a 5-1 victory against Chaves, Friday’s guests have won four of their previous six Primeira Liga showdowns away from the Estadio Municipal. With Friday’s opponents playing out a 2-2 stalemate when they last met back on December 10th, we are expecting what could be another enjoyable affair.

Bet: Over 1.5 goals at Rio Ave vs Arouca 2/5 for Friday’s Primeira Liga battle @ 1xBet