Rio Ave vs Vitoria Guimaraes Prediction & Betting Tips (16 December)

Rio Ave entered the Santa Clara field with increased confidence following its series of three days without defeat and especially two successive successes against Boavista 0-2, and Moreirense at home 3-2. But the series ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat. In the standings, the locals occupied the first half of the table at the start of this day, a more than successful season for the moment as they are not expected so high. Let us also remember that they have obtained their ticket for the 1/8 finals of the Portuguese Cup and will meet Casa Pia, a first division club. For his part, Guimaraes is positioned even higher in the ranking with a place in the top 6 but somewhat left behind in the race for Europe with six points behind Santa Clara at the start of this day, against whom he lost just before the November international break 1-0.

Regardless of the result in the Santa Clara weekend, it's mandatory victory for Guimaraes this evening on the road. Note that last Thursday, he traveled to the Swiss pitch of Saint-Gallen for a regular season poster in the Conference League to follow. In the league, the evening visitors suffered a narrow defeat at La Luz against Benfica 1-0.

There are absences to report at Rio Ave which will play without its central holder William, suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards, while the two starting midfielders against Santa Clara on the previous day: Novais and Tiknaz have joined the team. infirmary by leaving prematurely due to injury. The important English defender Panzo was already in treatment and apparently will be out this evening as well. From a personal point of view, we are obliged to praise Clayton Fernandes, author of 6 goals already this season in the championship.

  On the other side of the median, the Guimaraes coach will be able to count on his entire squad, barring a last-minute injury. Author of 3 goals and 3 assists in the elite, Nelson Oliveira will be a good addition as will Ramirez (2 goals), midfielder Gustavo (2 pawns), and the experienced Tiago Silva (2 goals).