Preview: Belenenses vs. Gil Vicente - prediction, team news, lineups

Seeking to rise from the bottom of the table, Belenenses play host to Gil Vicente in round six of the Primeira Liga at the Estadio do Restelo on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, have failed to taste victory in each of their most recent three outings and will be aiming to return to winning ways.

Match preview

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Belenenses failed to end their winless start to the season last Sunday, as they were held to a goalless draw against Vitoria Guimaraes.

In a game in which Alfa Semedo and Toni Borevkovic received their marching orders, O Belem were unable to make use of their numerical advantage as they were constantly repelled by an inspired Matous Trmal in the Vitoria goal.

Prior to that, Petit's men ended their three-match losing streak courtesy of a 1-1 draw against Moreirense three Fridays ago, when Chima Akas and Andre Luis scored for either side to force a share of the spoils.

Belenenses have picked up just two points from the 15 available so far, and that poor start to the season sees them rooted to the bottom of the Primeira Liga standings.

That has been owing to their lethargic display at the attacking end of the pitch, where they have scored the fewest goals so far in the division.

Meanwhile, Gil Vicente ended their run of two consecutive defeats last time out, when they played out a 2-2 draw against Vizela.

In an action-packed contest at the Estadio Cidade de Barcelos, Marcos Paulo put the visitors ahead twice only for Spanish forward Fran Navarro to restore parity on both occasions.

Prior to that, Ricardo Soares's side picked up wins in their first two outings of the campaign before suffering successive defeats at the hands of Benfica and Santa Clara respectively.

While they will be seeking to arrest this slump in form, they face the stern test of going up against an opposing side who are unbeaten in seven of the last eight meetings between the sides, picking up five wins and two draws.

Team News

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Thirty-two-year-old Belenenses midfielder Sandro continues his long journey to full fitness after picking up an injury in a pre-season friendly against Sporting Lisbon back in July.

Trova Boni will serve the second of a three-game suspension after receiving his marching orders in the game against Moreirense three Fridays ago, while Afonso Taira recently completed a move to second-tier side Casa Pia.

Newly-signed forward Allison Safira, who joined the club on loan from Brazilian outfit Londrina, was handed his debut last time out, and after his solid performance we expect the 26-year-old to keep his place in the XI.

Meanwhile, Gil Vicente will still take to the pitch without the midfield duo of Joao Afonso and Antoine Leautey, who are recuperating from ankle and knee injuries respectively.

Club captain Ruben Fernandes picked up a straight red against Santa Clara three weeks ago, and will serve the second of a three-game suspension.

Despite his side's recent slump in form, Navarro has been on song for the Gilistas, and, after taking his goal tally to four with a brace last time out, the Spanish forward will be one to watch out for on Saturday.

Belenenses possible starting lineup:
Felipe; Carraca, Ribeiro, Phete, Akas, Varela; Camacho, A Sousa, Coelho, C Sousa; Safira

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:
Kritsyuk; Talocha, Gomes, Cunha, Carlos; Pedrinho, Carvalho; Lino, Bueno, Murillo; Navarro

We say: Belenenses 2-1 Gil Vicente

​After stumbling into the new season, Belenenses find themselves rock bottom, however, they face a Gil Vicente side who they have gotten the better of in recent meetings between the sides, and will feel confident of coming away with the desired result.

We are tipping Belenenses to claim all three points and end their winless start to the season.