Preview: Vizela vs. Vitoria de Guimaraes - prediction, team news, lineups

Vizela play host to Vitoria de Guimaraes on Sunday afternoon looking for the win which would take them clear of the Primeira Liga relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Vitoria make the trip to Estadio do Futebol Clube de Vizela keen to strengthen their bid for the top five in the table, the current gap standing at three points.

Match preview

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Having failed to qualify for European football last season, Guimaraes are determined to right some wrongs this time around, and head coach Pepa can be satisfied with his team's campaign thus far.

Although they will feel somewhat vulnerable in sixth spot and just a three-point advantage over ninth position, they got the better of rivals Estoril Praia in their most recent outing.

Despite trailing at the hour mark, Guimaraes stormed back to prevail by a 3-1 scoreline, Oscar Estupinan chipping in with a double to take his tally for the season to eight.

With Braga and Benfica to come before the end of February, Pepa will not get carried away, but their latest triumph has set them up to improve an away record which features just two wins from 10 games.

Os Vimaranenses also cruised to three points in the reverse fixture back in August, ultimately emerging victorious by a 4-0 scoreline.

Earlier in the season, Vizela became synonymous with draws, a total of seven being recorded in eight games at one stages, but they have now gone the same amount of league games without a stalemate.

Instead, nine points have been accumulated from a possible 27 points, that return being boosted by recent victories over Belenenses and Tondela respectively.

Alvaro Pacheco's team were trailing heading into the final quarter of their latest contest, Raphael Guzzo and Cassiano netted late goals to secure a 3-2 success.

Despite hitting the goal trail in that contest, Vizela return to action at their home ground having scored just eight times in 10 fixtures on familiar territory.

Team News

Vizela will have to make do without Samu for this game after the midfielder collected his fifth yellow card of the league campaign last time out.

Guzzo, who got on the scoresheet as a substitute, is in line to take his place, while Nuno Moreira is on standby to take the spot of Guilherme Schettine if he does not recover from a minor injury.

Guimaraes goalkeeper Bruno Varela will be considered for a recall between the sticks after recovering from coronavirus.

However, Andre Andre will miss out in midfield after returning a positive test, with Andre Almeida potentially coming into the team.

Having scored in the last contest, Rochinha could take the place of Ruben Lameiras.

Vizela possible starting lineup:
Silva; Ofori, Aidara, Anderson, Kouao; Mendez, Claudemir, Guzzo; Bondoso, Schettine, Moreira

Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:
Varela; Ferreira, Borevkovic, Mumin, Soares; Almeida, Semendo, Janvier; Edwards, Estupinan, Rochinha

We say: Vizela 1-1 Vitoria de Guimaraes

Despite the difference in league positions, these two teams head into this contest in similar form. With that in mind, and with Vizela possessing home advantage, we are backing a low-scoring draw, one which will benefit the hosts rather than the visitors.

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