Conference League | League Stage

Dec 19, 2024 at 8pm UK

Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques

Guimaraesvs.Fiorentina

Match preview

Vitoria SC have been impressive throughout their Conference campaign, averaging more than two goals per game and remaining unbeaten, and their five-game winning streak in Switzerland has put them on course for a coveted top-eight finish.

The Portuguese side strode past St Gallen last week, registering 30 shots on target - more than half of which were on target - to make it four wins and one draw from five games so far.

The 4-1 victory all but sealed automatic qualification for the knockout rounds for Os Conquistadores, who sit second behind imperious leaders Chelsea with a game in hand.

Leading the Conference in attempts (120) and currently fourth in goals scored (12), Vitoria have earned a reputation as entertainers and will be looking to finish in style in front of their home fans.

Head coach Rui Borges has seen his reputation soar on the back of such continental exploits, but his side have struggled to maintain the same standards in the Primeira Liga.

The Guimaraes outfit, who came from two goals down to earn a point against Rio Ave on Monday, sit sixth in the standings, five points off the European spots and with just two wins from their last nine top-flight outings.

In contrast to their hosts, only a weekend defeat to Bologna stopped Fiorentina's run of good fortune in Serie A, where they sit fourth with a game in hand on most of their rivals.

Fresh from last week's 7-0 thrashing of LASK in the Conference League - the Viola's biggest European win to date, with Riccardo Sottil scoring twice and Albert Gudmundsson adding a late penalty - they went into the first Derby dell'Appennino of the season full of confidence.

However, Fiorentina's impressive run of eight consecutive league victories came to an end at the Stadio Dall'Ara as they lost 1-0 to former coach Vincenzo Italiano.

Nevertheless, Raffaele Palladino's men have set an impressive standard for the remainder of the season, and after two disappointing final appearances, winning the Conference will be high on their list - especially after their recent Coppa Italia exit at the hands of local rivals Empoli.

The Tuscan club's only European defeat came at the hands of APOEL in November, so they are well placed to seal direct qualification for the last 16 - failing which, a play-off place is already assured.

Recent Performance

Vitoria de Guimaraes Conference League form:WWWWDW

Vitoria de Guimaraes form (all competitions):WDWLWD

Fiorentina Conference League form:WWWLWW

Fiorentina form (all competitions):WWLWWL

Team News

Rui Borges made a number of changes to his Vitoria side between the Primeira Liga and Conference games, and that trend could continue on Thursday.

Nuno Santos put in an impressive performance in Switzerland last week, registering two assists and linking well with ex-Benfica striker Nelson Oliveira, and will be expected to start again.

Although Venezuelan defender Mikel Villanueva has recently returned from injury, Toni Borevkovic and Bruno Gaspar are both out through injury.

Fiorentina also rotate their squad in Europe, so star players such as Moise Kean and David de Gea could be rested - though given the stakes, Raffaele Palladino may change his selection policy.

Despite his limited appearances in Serie A, Jonathan Ikone is the Viola's top scorer in the Conference this season with four goals, so the French striker is likely to start in northern Portugal.

The visitors have almost everyone available, with the exception of midfielder Edoardo Bove, who is still recovering from his recent cardiac arrest.

Possible starting lineup

Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:

Varela; Baio, Rivas, Villanueva, Mendes; G. Silva, Manu, T. Silva; Kaio, Oliveira, Santos

Fiorentina possible starting lineup:

Terracciano; Dodo, Martinez Quarta, Ranieri, Parisi; Richardson, Mandragora; Ikone, Beltran, Sottil; Kouame