Estadio dos Arcos will be the venue when Rio Ave take on Tondela in a Primeira Liga clash on Sunday. The Vilacondenses are still chasing their first victory of the campaign, but performances have generally been more encouraging than their results suggest. A solid defensive display in the goalless draw with Famalicao showed progress, though doubts remain over the fitness of Omar Richards, who picked up a knock in that encounter.Tondela, meanwhile, head into this match with a boost of confidence after edging Santa Clara 2-1 in their previous league game. They will also be reinforced by the return of experienced midfielder Helder Tavares, who is back from suspension. Even so, a trip to Vila do Conde represents a far more demanding test for Os Auriverdes, who tend to struggle on their travels. History leans in Rio Ave’s favour, as the hosts defeated Tondela 2-1 in their last meeting at Estadio dos Arcos. Taking everything into account, we predict that one goal is going to separate the two teams in Sunday’s clash.
