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

Famalicao play host to Gil Vicente on Sunday afternoon knowing that victory could be enough to move into seventh position in the Primeira Liga standings.

However, the home side will fall behind their 14th-placed opponents if they suffer defeat at Estadio Municipal de Famalicao.

Match preview

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After narrowly missing out on qualification for the Europa League last season, Famalicao would have been hoping to mount a similar charge for the top five in the table.

While they currently occupy ninth position, claiming just two wins from 10 matches has left Joao Pedro Sousa's side eight points adrift of their pre-season target.

Still short of the midway point of the campaign, there is still time for Azuis e Brancos to make headway up the standings, but they quickly need to start turning stalemates into victories.

Although a 2-2 draw with leaders Sporting Lisbon earlier this month was a step in the right direction, backing that result up with a goalless game against bottom-placed Portimonense further highlighted what has been the story of their season so far.

On the plus side, they have suffered just one defeat on home territory, and they now go up against opponents who are still searching for their first triumph on their travels.

Gil Vicente have succumbed to defeat in four of their last half a dozen outings, the latest coming via a 2-0 scoreline at home to Benfica.

Nevertheless, four points were recorded from their previous games against Rio Ave and Moreirense, giving Ricardo Soares more reason for optimism.

Soares will be disappointed that the Galos are just one point ahead of last place, although he will be equally enthusiastic about taking advantage of the opportunity to make rapid progress.

Success on Sunday will almost certainly move Gil Vicente into the top half of the table, something which may be achieved if top goalscorer Samuel Lino ends a three-game drought.

Famalicao Primeira Liga form: DLWLDD Famalicao form (all competitions): WWLDLD

Gil Vicente Primeira Liga form: LLLWDL Gil Vicente form (all competitions): LDWDLW

Team News

Pedro Sousa is likely to stick with much of the team which started the game at Portimonense.

Edwin Herrera is in contention for a recall at right-back, while Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Bruno Jordao should feature in the Famalicao midfield.

Gil Vicente will be without Ygor Nogueira after the centre-back was dismissed during the setback at home to Benfica.

Tim Hall was introduced as a second-half substitute during that fixture and could be handed his first start of the season.

Boubacar Hanne is also pushing for his chance from the opening whistle after two substitute outings.

Famalicao possible starting lineup: Junior; Herrera, Babic, Queiros, Dias; Jordao, Pereyra, Guga; Lameiras, Campo, Jaime

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup: Denis; Pereira, Hall, Rodrigao, Talocha; Mineiro, Goncalves, Carvalho; Lourency, Lino, Leautey

We say: Famalicao 1-1 Gil Vicente

With both sides having gone at least two matches without success, we feel that avoiding defeat will be their priority ahead of this game. Famalicao have already recorded draws from half of their fixtures, and they could add another to their collection at the weekend.

Top betting tip