Vitoria de Guimaraes are aiming to end a run of four games without a win across all competitions when they host Rio Ave in the Portuguese Primeira Liga at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques on Saturday.
The visitors, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last three league outings, and they will be seeking to extend that run here.
Match preview
© Reuters
Vitoria de Guimaraes marked their return to league action following a lengthy break for the World Cup with a 3-0 defeat against Vizela last time out.
A brace from Samu, as well as a late strike from Milutin Osmajic, handed Vitoria de Guimaraes their fifth defeat of the league campaign, and their second consecutive loss on the road in the Primeira Liga.
That defeat means that Joao Teixeira's men are now winless across their last four games in all competitions – three of those being draws in the Taca da Liga, which left Os Vimaranenses second in Group F, four points off first-placed Boavista.
With one less competition to worry about, Teixeira and his side can now focus on both the Taca de Portugal and Primeira Liga, where they will be looking to build on their stellar first half of the season.
Vitoria de Guimaraes are currently sixth in the Primeira Liga table, having picked up 23 points from their 14 games so far this season.
© Reuters
Meanwhile, Rio Ave come into this clash sitting one place below their opponents this weekend in seventh place.
Luis Freire's side secured a 1-1 draw against Maritimo last time out, after Aderllan Santos's strike cancelled out Andre Vidigal's opener, and that result extended Rio Ave's unbeaten run in the league to three games.
Prior to that, and perhaps more disappointingly for Freire, his side suffered an early exit from the Taca da Liga, after finishing second in Group B, three points off four-time champions Sporting Lisbon, who finished as group winners.
Much like their opponents on Saturday, Rio Ave now have one less competition to worry about, and they can focus on extending this impressive run of results in the league, which has seen them pick up three wins in their last five outings, as well as keeping three clean sheets during that time.
However, Rio Ave face a stern test here to keep their unbeaten run alive, as they have only recorded one victory on their travels this season, and they are coming up against a Vitoria de Guimaraes side that have picked up 16 points from a possible 21 in front of their own fans.
Team News
© Reuters
The hosts will be without 22-year-old midfielder Tomas Handel, who continues his long journey to full fitness after suffering a knee injury back in February.
However, Teixeira will be able to welcome back Joao Silva from suspension, after the winger was sent off against Boavista in the Taca da Liga.
As for the visitors, Freire will be unable to call upon the services of 26-year-old midfielder Joca, who has been out of action since suffering a severe knee problem in September's game against Braga.
Venezuelan striker Jesus Ramirez will return from his three-game suspension after being sent off in the Taca da Liga against Maritimo on December 1.
Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:
Varela; Amaro, Tounkara, Villanueva; Ze Carlos, Silva, Andre, Sa; Lameiras, Johnston, Silva
Rio Ave possible starting lineup:
Jhonatan; Sa, William, Santos; Costinha, Guga, Gomes, Baeza, Vitor; Boateng, Ramirez
We say: Vitoria de Guimaraes 1-1 Rio Ave
Rio Ave have put together a fine run of form heading into this weekend, but Vitoria de Guimaraes have only lost once at home so far this season, so there is not a lot to split the teams heading into this clash.
We think the spoils will be shared on Saturday in a closely-fought encounter.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
