Rio Ave vs Gil Vicente Predictions

• Just one point separates these two clubs in the Primeira Liga table.
• The last time these two sides met was back in 2015 when the pair played out a goalless draw and Gil Vicente were the hosts.
• The form of both teams has been mixed heading into Monday’s clash.
• Neither side have been scoring or conceding a lot of goals in recent weeks.

First goal could prove crucial

Four of the last six competitive meetings between these two clubs have produced under 2.5 goals and Rio Ave are unbeaten in their last four matches against Gil Vicente. Under 2.5 goals were produced in all of Rio Ave’s last six matches as well as in three of Gil Vicente’s last five outings.

Rio Ave have only conceded five goals in their last six outings but have only scored three times and Gil Vicente have scored eight goals in their last six matches and have conceded six times. So the hosts are likely to be put under pressure by their guests and the first goal in this game could prove crucial.

Rio Ave’s lack of goals

Rio Ave have drawn two of their six home games this season and Gil Vicente have only won once on the road so far, with the hosts averaging 1.33 points per home game. That is below the league average of 1.58 and the visitors average 0.60 points per away game, which is below the league average of 1.14.

Rio Ave score an average of 1.67 goals per home game and concede an average of 1.33 goals, while Gil Vicente score an average of 0.60 goals per away game and concede an average of 1.80 goals. Considering all the above, we are backing a 1-1 correct score here.

Gil Vicente yet to keep a clean sheet on the road

Both teams have scored in 67% of Rio Ave’s home games as well as in 40% of Gil Vicente’s away games. Additionally, 67% of Rio Ave’s home games have produced over 1.5 goals and the same can be said about 80% of Gil Vicente’s away games.

Rio Ave have only kept clean sheets in 17% of their home games and Gil Vicente are yet to keep a clean sheet on the road, all of which adds to our prediction for under 2.5 goals to be scored on Monday.

Rio Ave have the home advantage and a better defensive record than their guests over the last few weeks but Gil Vicente arrive as the form favourites and on the back of putting three goals past Sporting in the Primeira Liga. Monday’s match is set to be tight  and we believe the two midtable rivals will cancel each other out and produce a 1-1 draw.