Rio Ave – Arouca

Rio Ave head to the Estádio dos Arcos desperate for points, sitting 16th with just three from five games and a bleak 2‑11 goal record. Their visitors, Arouca, sit comfortably in fifth place, having amassed ten points after three wins, a draw and two defeats, and enjoying a positive 8‑5 goal difference. The gap in form is stark, with the hosts yet to register a draw while the visitors have already proven they can both score and defend efficiently. If Rio Ave hope to climb out of the relegation zone, they will need to tighten up a defence that has conceded eleven goals, while Arouca will look to extend their momentum and keep the pressure on the league leaders.