Rio Ave vs Arouca Prediction & Match Preview – Saturday, 31 January

Rio Ave vs Arouca Prediction & Match Preview: On Saturday, 31 January, Rio Ave host Arouca in a compelling Liga Portugal fixture at Estádio dos Arcos. Both teams are eager to climb the league table, making this a crucial opportunity to secure valuable points. With home advantage, Rio Ave will look to make the most of familiar surroundings, while Arouca are determined to disrupt their hosts’ plans.

Estádio dos Arcos provides the backdrop for what promises to be a competitive encounter between these Portuguese sides. Rio Ave, recognised for their solid home displays, will strive to maintain their form against an Arouca side that has shown resilience away from home. As both teams battle for supremacy in Liga Portugal, fans can expect a tactical contest that could shape their positions in the league.

Rio Ave vs Arouca Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Bet on a Draw in the Rio Ave vs Arouca match.	3.2

Given the evenly matched form of both teams and their head-to-head record, our recommended betting tip is a draw. The odds for a draw offer strong value and reflect the closely contested nature of this fixture.

• Two of the last three head-to-head meetings have ended in draws, underlining the balanced nature of these teams.
• Both sides have identical recent league form, each recording one win, two draws, and two defeats.
• Key player absences for both teams are likely to cancel out any potential advantage, making a draw the most probable result.

Betting Odds

For this Liga Portugal clash, Rio Ave are slight favourites at odds of 2.5, with Arouca close behind at 2.84. The draw is also a tempting option at 3.15, reflecting the tight nature of this contest.

Betting Tip	Odds
Rio Ave to win	2.5
Draw	3.15
Arouca to win	2.84

If you are considering a bet, note the potential for a closely fought match, as both teams have demonstrated competitive form. The odds suggest a balanced encounter, making the over 2.5 goals market an intriguing option.

Rio Ave: Analysis & Recent Performance

Rio Ave have struggled for consistency in recent matches, recording just one win, one draw, and three defeats in their last five outings. This run includes a heavy 4-0 loss to Nacional in their latest match, exposing defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nacional	Rio Ave	4 – 0 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	25 Jan 2026
Rio Ave	Benfica	0 – 2 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	17 Jan 2026
Rio Ave	Casa Pia AC	3 – 1 (Win)	Liga Portugal	4 Jan 2026
Sporting CP	Rio Ave	4 – 0 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	28 Dec 2025
Gil Vicente	Rio Ave	2 – 2 (Draw)	Liga Portugal	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five games, Rio Ave have scored five goals (1.00 per match) but conceded 13 (2.60 per match), failing to keep a clean sheet during this period. This highlights issues at the back. Offensively, Clayton has been the standout performer, netting 10 goals and contributing to 45% of the team’s total this season.

Despite sitting 12th in the league with 20 points, Rio Ave’s home form has been underwhelming, with just two wins in their last ten home games—a 20% win ratio. Improvement is needed at Estádio dos Arcos to satisfy the home supporters.

• LLWLD

Rio Ave: Suspensions & Injuries

Rio Ave face a significant challenge with the likely absence of Theofanis Bakoulas due to a ligament injury. His potential unavailability could affect the defensive stability of the team. Bakoulas has been a key figure in defence, and manager Sotiris Sylaidopoulos may need to adjust his backline accordingly.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Theofanis Bakoulas	Ligament injury	Doubtful

With Bakoulas possibly missing, Rio Ave may turn to Jakub Brabec, who has performed reliably in previous matches. While Brabec is a competent replacement, the team could miss Bakoulas’s experience and leadership, which may result in a more conservative defensive approach.

Bakoulas’s absence could also influence betting markets, as Rio Ave’s defensive frailties may be exposed against an attacking Arouca side. Punters may see this as an opportunity to back Arouca, anticipating gaps in the Rio Ave defence.

Overall, Bakoulas’s injury is a significant concern for Rio Ave, and their ability to adapt could be decisive in the outcome.

Rio Ave: Key Players

Rio Ave’s attack is led by top scorer Clayton, who has found the net 10 times this season. His sharp finishing and movement make him a constant threat. Alongside Clayton, André Luiz and Dario Špikić form a dynamic forward line capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses.

In midfield, creative playmaker Brandon Aguilera is crucial for orchestrating attacks and providing incisive passes. His partnership with Marios Vrousai, known for his dribbling and vision, adds depth to Rio Ave’s attacking play. At the back, Jakub Brabec’s leadership and Nelson Abbey’s tackling will be vital for defensive solidity.

Expected lineup for Rio Ave:

• Goalkeeper: Cezary Miszta
• Defence: Francisco Petrasso, Jakub Brabec, Nelson Abbey
• Midfield: João Tomé, Tamás Nikitscher, Brandon Aguilera, Marios Vrousai
• Forward: André Luiz, Clayton, Dario Špikić

The tactical influence of these key players is significant. With Clayton leading the line, Rio Ave can employ a high pressing style and exploit quick transitions. The midfield pairing of Aguilera and Vrousai ensures fluid ball movement, while Brabec and Abbey’s defensive coordination is essential to contain Arouca’s attacks. If these strengths are harnessed effectively, Rio Ave could secure a vital win.

Rio Ave: Tactics & Formation

Rio Ave Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Clayton
• Midfield Engine: Brandon Aguilera
• Defensive Concerns: 13 goals conceded in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Defensive frailty but potential in attacking transitions.

Rio Ave typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking intent. Clayton, the club’s top scorer, leads the attack, supported by wingers André Luiz and Dario Špikić, who provide width and pace.

In midfield, Brandon Aguilera is pivotal, linking play and providing creativity. His ability to retain possession and distribute effectively is crucial for Rio Ave’s transitions.

Defensively, Rio Ave have struggled, conceding 13 goals in their last five matches and failing to keep a clean sheet. The back line, including Jakub Brabec and Nelson Abbey, must improve to address these issues.

Arouca: Analysis & Recent Performance

Arouca’s recent form has been mixed, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Their latest result—a 1-2 home defeat to Sporting CP—highlights ongoing defensive issues, with seven goals conceded across these five games.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Arouca	Sporting CP	1 – 2 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	24 Jan 2026
AVS Futebol SAD	Arouca	0 – 1 (Win)	Liga Portugal	17 Jan 2026
Tondela	Arouca	3 – 1 (Loss)	Liga Portugal	3 Jan 2026
Arouca	Gil Vicente	2 – 2 (Draw)	Liga Portugal	28 Dec 2025
Santa Clara	Arouca	0 – 0 (Draw)	Liga Portugal	21 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Arouca have averaged 1.00 goal per game in their last five, conceding 1.40 on average. They have managed two clean sheets, showing occasional defensive solidity, but consistency remains elusive. Away from home, Arouca have won just once in their last five, giving them a 20% away win rate. Their 15th place standing with 17 points reflects these challenges.

Arouca’s top scorer, Alfonso Trezza, has been a bright spot with six goals this season, contributing significantly to their attack. However, the team’s overall statistics highlight the need for improvement, especially in converting chances and tightening up defensively, as they have kept clean sheets in only 40% of recent games.

• LWLDD

Arouca: Suspensions & Injuries

Arouca’s preparations are hampered by the suspension of Matias Rocha following a red card. His absence in defence may require a reshuffle, with José Fontán or Tiago Esgaio likely to take on greater responsibility. Rocha’s defensive qualities will be missed, and manager Vasco Seabra may need to adjust his defensive setup.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Matias Rocha	Red card	1	Unknown

On the injury front, Pedro Santos is sidelined with an unspecified injury but is expected to return in about a week. While this short-term absence may not have a major impact given squad depth, Santos’s attacking qualities could have provided an extra edge for Arouca.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Pedro Santos	Unknown	About a week

The absence of these players could influence betting odds, as Arouca may be seen as slightly weaker defensively without Rocha. However, the team’s depth could help mitigate the impact if other defenders step up.

Arouca: Key Players

Arouca’s main attacking threat comes from Alfonso Trezza, their top scorer with six goals this season. Trezza’s movement and finishing make him a constant danger. His partnership with forwards Nais Djouahra and Iván Barbero brings dynamism to Arouca’s frontline.

In midfield, the trio of Espen van Ee, Taichi Fukui, and Hyun-Ju Lee are pivotal. Van Ee’s vision and passing provide creativity, while Fukui’s energy and Lee’s technical ability help Arouca control the tempo. In defence, centre-back Javi Sánchez, along with full-backs Tiago Esgaio and José Fontán, bring stability and resilience.

Expected lineup for Arouca:

• Goalkeeper: Ignacio de Arruabarrena
• Defence: Tiago Esgaio, Amadou Dante, Javi Sánchez, José Fontán
• Midfield: Espen van Ee, Taichi Fukui, Hyun-Ju Lee
• Forward: Alfonso Trezza, Nais Djouahra, Iván Barbero

Arouca: Tactics & Formation

Arouca Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Iván Barbero
• Midfield Pivot: Taichi Fukui and Hyun-Ju Lee
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on counterattacks and set pieces.

Arouca are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Vasco Seabra, seeking a balance between defensive solidity and attacking threat. The midfield pivot of Taichi Fukui and Hyun-Ju Lee is key to breaking up play and launching quick transitions, while Alfonso Trezza, the team’s top scorer, is vital in the attacking midfield role.

Defensively, Arouca have shown resilience with two clean sheets in their last five. The back line, including Matias Rocha and José Fontán, must remain compact and disciplined, particularly against Rio Ave’s attacking threats. Goalkeeper Ignacio de Arruabarrena will play a central role in organising the defence.

Offensively, Arouca’s strategy revolves around counterattacking and set pieces, with Iván Barbero leading the line. The pace and creativity of wide players Nais Djouahra and Espen van Ee will be crucial in stretching Rio Ave’s defence.

Rio Ave vs Arouca: Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Rio Ave and Arouca is finely balanced: Rio Ave have eight wins, Arouca seven, and seven matches have ended in draws. Their most recent meeting was a thrilling 3-3 draw at Arouca’s ground in Liga Portugal, highlighting how closely matched these teams are.

The last time Rio Ave hosted Arouca in Liga Portugal, they secured a narrow 1-0 victory. While this suggests a slight home advantage for Rio Ave, the overall head-to-head stats point to a highly competitive fixture.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Arouca	Rio Ave	3 – 3	Primeira Liga	2025-08-23
Arouca	Rio Ave	1 – 1	Primeira Liga	2025-02-10
Rio Ave	Arouca	1 – 0	Primeira Liga	2024-09-01
Arouca	Rio Ave	2 – 3	Friendly Match	2024-07-20
Rio Ave	Arouca	1 – 1	Primeira Liga	2024-04-19