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

Vitoria de Guimaraes will look to recover from last weekend’s Minho derby disappointment when they welcome Arouca to Estadio D. Afonso Henriques for round four of the Primeira Liga.

The Conquerors come into this contest on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Moreirense, while the Wolves were involved in a dramatic share of the spoils at home against Rio Ave.

Match preview

For a side intent on reclaiming a European berth after their late collapse in 2024-25, Vitoria have made a less-than-ideal start to the new campaign.

The Conquerors surrendered fifth place last season after losing their final two fixtures and have already suffered as many defeats in their opening three games this term.

Last weekend’s loss against neighbours Moreirense not only highlighted Vitoria’s inconsistency but also exposed frailties at the back, which were evident even in their only victory so far — a 3-2 success over Estoril Praia at Afonso Henriques.

Indeed, the Conquerors have leaked seven goals in their three outings, the joint second-worst defensive record in the division, while failing to score in two of them, meaning head coach Luis Pinto has some work to do in addressing problems at both ends of the pitch.

That said, there is no denying that Vitoria can be formidable on home soil, having won six of their last nine Primeira Liga matches at Afonso Henriques while keeping six clean sheets and netting 14 in that run, so the hosts will back themselves to punish a vulnerable Arouca defence.

The Wolves have been the league’s leakiest rearguard so far, conceding a whopping 10, yet they have still managed to grind out decent returns in terms of points.

Five goals scored in their three games have brought Arouca four points, beginning with victory over AVS, though Vasco Seabra’s men were dismantled 6-0 by defending champions Sporting before salvaging a dramatic stalemate against Rio Ave.

In a topsy-turvy clash last weekend, Nais Djouahra struck deep into stoppage time to snatch a 3-3 draw, leaving the Wolves eighth in the standings after three rounds.

While they aim to climb further up the table, Arouca face a Vitoria side they have failed to beat in their last four meetings, although a 2-2 result in their most recent visit to Afonso Henriques provides a glimmer of belief.

However, their away form remains a stumbling block, with three defeats and two draws in the Wolves’s last five league games on the road dating back to last season.

Vitoria de Guimaraes Primeira Liga form:

Vitoria de Guimaraes form (all competitions):

Arouca Primeira Liga form:

Arouca form (all competitions):

Team News

Given Vitoria’s defensive lapses, Pinto may be tempted to reshuffle his backline, with Paulo Vitor pushing for a debut.

There could also be a change at right wing-back, with Telmo Arcanjo impressing off the bench last weekend, potentially at the expense of Vando Felix.

The hosts remain without Oscar Rivas, Samu and Diogo Sousa, who are still sidelined with injuries.

For Arouca, Tiago Esgaio had an impressive cameo against Rio Ave and that could earn him a start on the right of defence.

Dylan Nandin is available again after serving a suspension and might replace Ivan Barbero in attack, while Alfonso Trezza and Djouahra are set to retain their places after both found the net last time out.

Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:

Charles; Nobrega, Abascal, Vitor; Mendes, T Silva, Handel, Arcanjo; G Silva, Oliveira, Santos

Arouca possible starting lineup:

Valido; Dante, Fontan, Popovic, Esgaio; Fukui, Santos; Djouahra, Hyun-Ju, Trezza; Nandín

We say: Vitoria de Guimaraes 3-1 Arouca

With both sides showing defensive cracks, goals could be on the cards, but Vitoria’s strong home record coupled with Arouca’s struggles on the road should tilt the balance in favour of the Conquerors.

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