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

Famalicao are hovering perilously close to the relegation zone heading into Thursday evening's Primeira Liga clash with mid-table Gil Vicente at Estadio Cidade de Barcelos.

The visitors lost for the first time in five games last time out, while Gil Vicente won away at Benfica to continue their ascent up the division.

Match preview

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Ivo Vieira's side strengthened their survival prospects thanks to two wins and two draws in four matches heading into Sunday's clash with Portimonense.

However, Beto's goal at the end of the first half proved the difference in that one, meaning Famalicao missed out on a chance to put further distance between themselves and danger.

As it is, Famalicenses are five points above the automatic relegation places and three points above Maritimo in the relegation playoff zone.

Vieira's men still have work to do, then, but this is going to be a very tough fixture to claim any points from if Gil Vicente's recent form is anything to go by.

The Roosters have won four of their last five games, the exception being a 2-1 home loss to Moreirense in their most recent home match.

However, they followed that up with a surprise 2-1 victory at third-placed Benfica on Saturday through goals from Antoine Leautey and Lourency at Estadio da Luz.

Ricardo Soares's side are now 11th in the Primeira Liga table, seven points above the final relegation spot and the same distance off a European berth.

Gil Vicente do not exactly have the best of home records, however, winning just two of their last nine at Estadio Cidade de Barcelos and losing six of those.

Famalicao, by comparison, have lost only one of their last four away games, including a credible 1-1 draw at Sporting Lisbon last time out on their travels.

Team News

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Gil Vicente have near enough a fully-fit squad to choose from, with Miullen their only confirmed absentee and Joao Afonso carrying a knock.

Ruben Fernandes started at the back against Benfica, but Soares may elect to bring in Ygor Nogueira for Thursday's clash.

After netting in that win in Lisbon, Leautey and Lourency seem certain to get the nod either side of Pedro Marques.

As for the visitors, they are without Srdjan Babic and Ivo Rodrigues for this trip to Estadio Cidade de Barcelos.

Riccieli is battling Diogo Queiros for a starting spot in defence, with the latter getting the nod against Portimonense last time out.

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:

Denis; Pereira, Nogueira, Rodrigao, Talocha; Carvalho, Mineiro, Pedrinho; Leautey, Marques, Lourency

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Junior; Figueiras, William, Riccieli, Vinagre; Pepe, Assuncao, Ugarte; Dias, Silva, Jaime

We say: Gil Vicente 1-1 Famalicao

Gil Vicente have been on a good run of form and are just about in contention for a European spot, while Famalicao could be dragged into the bottom three with defeat here.

However, that does not quite tell the whole story as the hosts have an underwhelming record on their own patch, so we are backing Famalicao to pick up a valuable away point.