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

Famalicao have a flawless run to extend in Sunday’s Minho derby as they welcome Gil Vicente to Estadio Municipal de Famalicao for round three of the Primeira Liga.

Vila Nova have begun the campaign with back-to-back victories, and they will aim to keep that momentum alive against visitors from Barcelos, who arrive on the back of a defeat to Porto last weekend.

Match preview

One of only five clubs to secure maximum points from their opening two fixtures, Famalicao also stand among the four teams yet to concede a goal, with their defensive steel laying the platform for this impressive start.

Hugo Oliveira’s side opened with an emphatic 3-0 success over Santa Clara before grinding out a narrow 1-0 triumph away to Tondela last weekend.

That result leaves Vila Nova sitting fourth in the table and has provided the perfect launchpad for a team harbouring ambitions of a first-ever European berth after coming close in recent seasons.

Famalicao also bring into this contest a formidable record on home soil, having gone unbeaten in nine league games at the Municipal with six wins in that stretch.

Gil Vicente, meanwhile, could not build on their opening-day success at Nacional, as they fell 2-0 to Porto last weekend, though Cesar Peixoto will have taken encouragement from aspects of their display.

The Roosters showed intent going forward, but their lack of precision in front of goal proved costly, registering 14 attempts yet managing only two on target, neither of which found the net.

That brought an end to Gil’s run of five successive league outings in which they had scored, but Peixoto will be eager to see his players rediscover their edge in the attacking third on Sunday.

The Barcelos outfit will also be mindful of their recent struggles against Famalicao, failing to score in the most recent meeting, which ended in a 2-0 defeat, although they did earn a point on their last visit to the Municipal.

That said, Gil’s away form offers some encouragement, as they have won three of their last five league games on the road stretching back to last season, and having already taken three points from their only trip this term, the viitors cannot be written off entirely here.

Famalicao Primeira Liga form:

Famalicao form (all competitions):

Gil Vicente Primeira Liga form:

Gil Vicente form (all competitions):

Team News

Rafa Soares remains sidelined for Famalicao, so Pedro Bondo is expected to continue in the left-back position.

Oliveira is unlikely to disturb a winning formula, meaning Simon Elisor, who struck the decisive goal last weekend, should lead the line once again.

Meanwhile, Rochinha and Oscar Arenda are still ruled out as they continue their recovery from injury.

For Gil Vicente, only Tidjany Toure is unavailable, while Hevertton Santos is fit again and could be preferred to Ze Carlos on the right side of defence.

Peixoto may also look to refresh his midfield options, with Santi Garcia pushing for a start alongside Luis Esteves and Facundo Caseres in a three-man unit.

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Carevic; Bondo, Haas, Realpe, Pinheiro; Amorim, Looi; Sorriso, Sa, Dias; Elisor

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:

Andrew; Konan, Buatu, Elimbi, Santos; García, Caseres; Fernandez, Esteves, Bermejo; Pablo

We say: Famalicao 2-1 Gil Vicente

Both teams favour a positive approach, which should ensure chances at either end, but with Famalicao’s momentum and strong home form, Vila Nova may just edge what promises to be a closely fought Minho derby.

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