Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Primeira Liga clash between Vitoria de Guimaraes and SC Farense, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
SC Farense go in search of their first away win of the season when they travel to Vitoria de Guimaraes on Saturday.
Vitoria are winless in their last two league games, on the back of three consecutive wins prior to that.
Match preview
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In December’s 3-2 defeat at the Dom Afonso Henriques – Vitoria’s last home outing – Joao Henriques‘s men pushed Porto all the way, but were denied a point courtesy of Luis Diaz‘s strike in the 89th minute.
The hosts took the lead on two occasions, and would have been highly disappointed to come away from the game empty-handed.
They were due to take on Nacional in the following home game two Sundays ago, but the match was eventually postponed and has now been rescheduled to take place in the coming week.
Vitoria have been in action once since that defeat to Porto, though, drawing 2-2 with mid-table Moreirense last weekend in a result which leaves the European places still within their grasp.
Farense come into the game on a positive note, having ended a three-game winless run by beating Gil Vicente 3-1 last Sunday.
Sergio Vieira‘s men had their backs against the wall for most of the game, but an excellent display of counter-attacking football helped them to secure all three points.
However, they are one of three sides that are currently separated from the relegation zone by a single point, which leaves them in dire need of victories in order to steer clear of danger.
Ryan Gauld continues to sparkle for Leoes de Faro, having notched up the most goals as well as most assists for his side with four apiece.
Loan spells at Hibernian and Sporting Lisbon have immensely helped the Scottish midfielder, and the results are clear for all to see.
Vitoria de Guimaraes Primeira Liga form: LWWWLD
Vitoria de Guimaraes form (all competitions): WLLWLD
SC Farense Primeira Liga form: LWLDLW
SC Farense form (all competitions): LWLDLW
Team News
The return of Oscar Estupinan who has scored three goals in just two league games, should see Noah Holm drop back to the bench.
Lica picked up a red card in Farense’s win over Gil Vicente on Sunday, so he will miss the game through suspension.
Brian Mansilla is expected to start in Lica’s place ahead of the likes of Patrick and Pedro Henrique.
The home side will have to make do without Joseph Amoah and Matheus Mascarenhas, who both remain injured and will not be featuring here.
Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:
Varela; Mensah, Mumin, Fernandes, Sacko; Almeida, Pepelu, Andre; Quaresma, Rochinha, Estupinan
SC Farense possible starting lineup:
Defendi; Nunes, Scheid, Nogueira, Pinto; Isidoro, Oudrhiri; Seco, Gauld, Mansilla, Stojiljkovic
We say: Vitoria de Guimaraes 2-0 SC Farense
Vitoria may have struggled at home this season, but their visitors have fared even worse on the road, so a home win looks the more probable outcome.
Top betting tip
— to www.sportsmole.co.uk
