Vitória SC vs Rio Ave

With Vitória Guimarães sitting seventh and still chasing a top-six finish, this Gameweek 31 home date with Rio Ave has real meaning. The visitors sit five points back in 12th, and a win at Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques could shake up the mid-table picture. The hosts have rediscovered form, banking seven points from their last three outings — a 1-0 win at Gil Vicente the most recent proof. Gustavo Silva has been the standout, scoring in three consecutive matches, with Samu and Oumar Camara also chipping in. Rio Ave are no pushovers, collecting 14 points from their last seven games. Jalen Blesa is a threat — he netted in four straight matches before going quiet — though the visitors head into this without Brandon Aguilera, who is facing a long spell on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury. Vitória have won their last two meetings against Rio Ave, and home advantage should prove decisive again. Our prediction: 2-1