Tondela host Vitoria de Guimaraes in the Primeira Liga on Friday night hoping to win successive league matches for the first time this campaign.
Guimaraes, meanwhile, who sit six places above Tondela in the league table, have lost two of their last three top-flight matches.
Match preview
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Tondela have recently pulled themselves away from the relegation zone after winning two of their last three league matches, including the 2-0 victory over Santa Clara three weeks ago, which saw them win back-to-back home league games for the first time since April 2019.
Their most recent result was a narrow 1-0 win over third division side Felgueiras in the Taca de Portugal on Sunday.
Head coach Pako Ayestaran is pleased with how his side have responded in recent weeks but understands that several challenges are still to come this campaign.
Tondela, who sit in 12th place in the Primeira Liga, lost both encounters with Vitoria last season, but a victory on Friday could propel the home side above the visitors into fifth place.
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Vitoria de Guimaraes have lost their last two home league matches against Braga and most recently to Sporting Lisbon, who beat them 4-0 in their last match.
Manager Joao Henriques, who replaced Tiago last month, has led his new side to two wins and two defeats in the Primeira Liga as well as a 7-6 victory on penalties against second-tier side Arouca in the Taca de Portugal following a 0-0 draw after extra time.
Both of Henriques's victories have come away from home and he will be hoping to secure another three points on the road against Tondela at a ground where Vitoria have been successful before, winning 3-1 in September 2019.
Guimaraes have struggled for goals in the top flight, only finding the net four times in their opening seven matches – only Belenenses have scored fewer with three.
Vitoria would move above Rio Ave into fifth with a victory on Friday, level on points with Porto in fourth spot who have a greater goal difference.
Tondela Primeira Liga form: LLDWLW
Tondela form (all competitions): LDWLWW
Vitoria de Guimaraes Primeira Liga form: DWWLWL
Vitoria de Guimaraes form (all competitions): WWLWLW
Team News
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Tondela boss Pako Ayestaran could adopt the 3-5-2 formation once again, which was used in the 2-0 victory over Santa Clara.
Striker Tomislav Strkalj could return to the starting lineup which would see Mario Gonzalez, who scored against Santa Clara, drop to the bench.
English duo Easah Suliman and Marcus Edwards are set to remain in the Vitoria de Guimaraes starting lineup.
Champions League winner and former Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, who has yet to score this campaign, should also keep his place in the starting XI.
Tondela possible starting lineup:
Niasse; Medioub, Tavares, Martinez; Murillo, Pedro, Augusto, Ferreira; Agra, Barbosa; Strkalj
Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:
Varela; Sacko, Fernandes, Suliman, Silvio; Poha, Agu, Andre; Edwards, Duarte, Quaresma
We say: Tondela 1-1 Vitoria de Guimaraes
Vitoria de Guimaraes have won five of the last six matches against Tondela, however the home side have begun to find their form and could make it difficult for the visitors on Friday night.
