Primeira Liga | Gameweek 12

Dec 2, 2024 at 6.45pm UK

Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques

Guimaraesvs.Gil Vicente

Match preview

Vitoria de Guimaraes had to fight hard in their Conference League match against Astana on Thursday. They came back from behind to draw 1-1 at the Ortalyq Stadion.

Croatian defender Branimir Kalaica put the home side in front five minutes before half time with a goal in the 45th minute, but substitute Jesus Ramirez equalised in the 89th minute.

Vitoria de Guimaraes have now gone unbeaten in each of their four Conference League matches, claiming three wins and one draw. This puts them in fifth place in the table, two points off leaders Chelsea.

While Rui Borges's team are doing well in Europe, they've had trouble getting results at home. They've only won one of their last six games, beating Moreirense 1-0 on 3 November thanks to a goal from Nelson Oliveira in the 64th minute.

Vitoria de Guimaraes have picked up five wins from 11 Primeira Liga matches so far, losing three and claiming three draws. This has brought them to 18 points, putting them sixth in the standings, six points off fourth-placed Santa Clara.

Guimaraes will be hoping to make a comeback this weekend when they return home. They've had three consecutive wins at home recently and are unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 games across all competitions, with nine wins and one draw so far.

Gil Vicente booked their spot in the fifth round of the Taça de Portugal last Sunday, beating Vila Real 2-0 in the fifth round.

After a goalless first half at Campo Do Calvario, Ze Carlos broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, and Jordi Mboula made sure of the result with an 87th-minute effort.

Head coach Bruno Pinheiro will be hoping the cup victory can help turn around their form in the Primeira Liga, where they've lost their last three matches, conceding seven goals and scoring four since a 3-0 victory over Estrela Amadora on 5 October.

The team's recent poor performance has seen them drop to 11th place in the league standings, tied with Estoril Praia, Boavista and newly-promoted AVS on 10 points, and just one point above the relegation zone.

Next up for the Gilistas is a trip to the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques, where they've lost each of their last three visits. They've conceded 11 goals and scored just two since a 4-2 victory back in March 2021.

Gil Vicente will be hoping to put an end to this poor run of form, but their away results don't bode well. They've failed to win their last eight Primeira Liga matches, losing five and drawing three since April's 1-0 victory at Moreirense.

Recent Performance

Vitoria de Guimaraes Primeira Liga form:LDDDWL

Vitoria de Guimaraes form (all competitions):LWWLWD

Gil Vicente Primeira Liga form:DLWLLL

Gil Vicente form (all competitions):WWLLLW

Team News

Vitoria de Guimaraes will have to manage without the services of 31-year-old midfielder Tiago Silva, who is suspended after picking up a late red card against Santa Clara on 10 November.

In terms of injuries, Guimaraes will be without 27-year-old defender Jorge Fernandes, who has been out of action since suffering a muscle injury in August.

Gil Vicente are also without Spanish midfielder Santi Garcia, who will miss Monday's game through suspension.

Pinheiro won't be able to name South African international Sphephelo Sithole, who picked up a ligament injury while on international duty against South Sudan in September.

He's joined on the Gilistas' injury table by 23-year-old midfielder Facundo Caseres, who's been out of action since picking up a meniscus injury back in April.

Possible starting lineup

Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:

Varela; Baio, Rivas, Borevkovic, Mendes; J Silva, Handel, Samu; Cesar, Oliveira, Santos

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:

Andrew; Mutombo, Mananga, Fernandes, Cruz; Castillo, Gbane, Fujimoto; Toure, Aguirre, Correia