Prediction: Vitoria Guimaraes vs Sporting Lisbon

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Bet365

In a battle between two sides who have their sights set on securing a European finish this season, the Portuguese Primeira Liga will mark its return in midweek when Vitoria Guimaraes host Sporting Lisbon on Thursday night.

Vitoria Guimaraes

Starting with the hosts, enjoying what was a stellar run of form prior to the enforced break, Vitoria Guimaraes will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off in March on Thursday night. Really playing themselves back into the European chase and knowing that three points in midweek would see them move within touching distance of the top-four, Ivo Vieira’s side had won each of their last three Primeira Liga appearances on the bounce before the interruption. While that trio of victories may have come against sides battling it out at the foot of the table, the Whites were enjoying what was their most fruitful run since the end of September. If Vitoria are to mark their return to action with what could be a crucial three points on Thursday night, then there is no doubt that Vieira will be calling on one-time Liverpool starlet João Carlos to lead their charge in midweek. Bagging a brace in Vitoria’s 2-1 win away at Paços de Ferreira prior to the break, the 27-year-old has four Primeira Liga goal in his last three appearances.

Team News

Vitoria will be without first-choice right-back Falaye Sacko on Thursday due to picking up a suspension prior to the break.

Sporting Lisbon

As for the visitors, while Sporting Lisbon may have entered the enforced break with a 2-0 win against Desportivo Aves, it does not cover what was an inconsistent spell for Rúben Amorim’s side. Including crashing out of the Europa League in the most dramatic of fashion thanks to a 4-1 defeat away at Turkish outfit Istanbul Basaksehir at the end of February, the former Portugal international has seen his men gain a worrying reputation for their problems away from the Estádio José Alvalade. Also blown away at Famalicão in shocking fashion and hit with a 3-1 drumming when opening March, Sporting have failed to win any of their last five away fixtures across all competitions, losing four of those appearances. Although the former European giants might be continuing to show some glaring issues on the road, Thursday’s guests should be boosted by an eye-catching record against Vitoria. Including picking up a 3-1 win when the two sides faced off back in October, Sporting have landed back-to-back wins against the midweek hosts and have also won four of their last five matchups against Os Vimaranenses.

Team News

Along with being without leading marksman Luiz Phellype who looks set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a Cruciate Ligament Rupture back in January, Sporting could also be without Brazilian midfielder Wendel who has a minor knock.

Key Factors to Consider

• Along with picking up a 3-1 win when the two sides faced off back in October, Sporting have won four of their last five matches against Vitoria.
• However, Sporting have failed to win any of their last five away matches across all formats, losing four of those contests.
• Vitoria striker João Carlos has four goals in his last three Primeira Liga apperances.
• Thursday’s hosts have won their last three matches on the bounce, bagging a pair of goals in each of those victories.
• Six of Sporting’s last seven matches on the road have seen both teams find the net by full-time.

Conclusion

On paper, Thursday’s showdown in Guimarães should prove to be a lively encounter. While Sporting might hold a fearsome record against the midweek hosts after picking up a thumping 3-1 win earlier in the season, the Lions have continued to show plenty of cause for concern on their trips away from the Estádio José Alvalade. With Vitoria enjoying their brightest spell of 2020 prior to the enforced break, there is no doubt that the Whites will be smelling an upset on Thursday. With six of Sporting’s last seven matches on the road seeing both teams find the net by full-time, we’re backing a similar outcome in midweek.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Bet365