Verdict: Vitoria win
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Luckster
Turning their attention back to Primeira Liga duties on Monday night, Vitoria will welcome Nacional to Guimaraes.
Vitoria
Starting with the hosts, while Vitoria might have suffered late heartbreak last week as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Italian outfit Fiorentina, Rui Borges’ men did cruise their way to a Europa Conference League quarter-final ticket. Opening December with a routine 4-0 romp against Gil Vicente, the Guimaraes-based outfit have lost just one of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Looking to make up some ground in the European chase on Monday night, the former Moreirense boss will also be excited by his side’s continued success on home soil. In fact, Vitoria are unbeaten in their last seven consecutive showdowns at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques (five wins, two draws). It should also be noted, Borges’ camp have lost just a single matchup in front of their own supporters so far this season.
Vitoria Team News
Although one-time Norwich striker Nelson Oliveira might have missed out against Fiorentina last week, the 33-year-old could return to Borges’ squad on Monday night. However, both still dealing with respective injury issues, the duo of Toni Borevkovic and Bruno Gaspar are expected to miss out here.
Finding the net in each of his previous three appearances across all competitions, Brazilian marksman Gustavo Silva will spearhead Vitoria’s squad. Enjoying what has been a breakout campaign, academy graduate Alberto Costa will keep his spot at right-back.
Nacional
As for the visitors, while Nacional might have claimed a much-needed 1-0 victory against Moreirense earlier in the month, Tiago Margarildo’s men came crashing back down to earth last time out. Falling to a routine 2-0 loss at the hands of Benfica, the Funchal-based outfit find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap. Heading into November’s international break with another 2-0 defeat against Estrela, Monday’s guests have drastically surged to deal with the leap up in class since making their Primeira Liga return. Crashing out of the League Cup on October 29th as they suffered a 3-1 loss against Sporting Lisbon, Nacional have won just a pair of their last 12 appearances across all competitions. It should also be noted, Margarildo’s side slumped to a 3-1 defeat when they last travelled to the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques back in January 2021.
Nacional Team News
Limping off against Benfica last week after picking up a knock in the opening nine minuets, former PSV youngster Nigel Thomas is not expected to feature here. However, returning to Margarido’s squad earlier in the month, veteran striker Dyego Sousa will be hoping to get some more minuets under his belt.
While Brazil U21 international Isaac might have failed to find the net since returning from November’s international break, the 20-year-old should keep his spot leading the line. Ex-Vitoria academy graduate Luis Esteves will feature against his former club here.
Vitoria vs Nacional Key Factors to Consider
- When Vitoria and Nacional last met at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques back in January 2021, Monday’s hosts collected a 3-1 victory.
- Guimaraes are unbeaten in each of their last seven home fixtures across all competitions (five wins, two draws).
- Nacional have won just a pair of their previous 12 appearances across all formats.
- Monday’s guests have lost each of their last five matchups outside of Funchal by an aggregate score of 10-3.
- Vitoria have not shipped a single domestic strike at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques since back on October 6th.
Conclusion
Continuing to gain a real reputation for their success on home soil, Vitoria will be confident of making up some ground in the European chase. Not shipping a single domestic strike at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques since the start of October, Monday’s hosts should be smelling a golden opportunity. With Nacional losing each of their last five showdowns outside of Funchal by an aggregate score of 10-3, the relegation scrappers should be bracing themselves for a stern examination here.
Verdict: Vitoria win
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Luckster
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