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

SC Farense play host to Gil Vicente on Sunday afternoon looking for the win which would almost certainly move the club off the bottom of the Primeira Liga standings.

While Gil Vicente make the trip to Estadio de Sao Luis sitting in mid-table, they are just four points ahead of their next opponents.

Match preview

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All but two of Farense's nine points this season have come from their last six matches, an indication of the improvements which have been made since the start of the campaign.

Nevertheless, Sergio Vieira's side remain two points adrift of safety after going three games without success in Portugal's top flight.

Still sitting just five points away from seventh position, Vieira will not be overly concerned at this stage of the season, but he will acknowledge that Leoes de Faro need to quickly get back on track.

Despite losing 2-0 at Portimonense in their most recent game, only shipping seven goals in six games will give Vieira some optimism ahead of their upcoming games.

With Gil Vicente possessing one of the worst attacking records in the division, Farense will be confident of making some quick headway up the table.

However, the Gilistas have collected four points from games against Famalicao and Belenenses, and they will feel that a showdown with the bottom-placed club has come at the perfect time.

Just two goals have been netted during their last four league encounters, but a 3-0 victory at Uniao de Leiria in the cup showed that Ricardo Soares's improving side are capable of showing a ruthless streak on their day.

More is required from top goalscorer Samuel Lino, however, with the 21-year-old having failed to contribute in his last five appearances.

SC Farense Primeira Liga form: WLWLDL SC Farense form (all competitions): LLWLDL

Gil Vicente Primeira Liga form: LWDLWD Gil Vicente form (all competitions): WDLWWD

Team News

Vieira needed to replace both of his centre-backs before the second half on Monday night, meaning that Bura and Bilel Aouacheria could be included in the Farense starting lineup.

Patrick may also be drafted back into the attack as a replacement for Nikola Stojiljkovic, while Amine Oudrhiri is in line for a recall after suspension.

Gil Vicente boss Soares could opt to name the same team which started the goalless draw with Belenenses.

Renan is an alternative in the final third if Soares opts to drop Lino to the substitutes' bench.

SC Farense possible starting lineup: Defendi; Pinto, Bura, Aouacheria, Nunes; Melo, Oudrhiri; Seco, Gauld, Lica; Patrick

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

We say: SC Farense 0-1 Gil Vicente

Farense will be confident that home advantage will help them in this contest as they bid to keep pace with their relegation rivals. However, the visitors have looked solid in defence of late, something which could make the difference on Sunday evening.

Top betting tip