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

Os Vimaranenses, on the other hand, set out in search of their first win since February as they look to move back into the Conference League qualification places.

Match preview

Boavista were left empty handed once again as they suffered a 4-2 defeat against relegation-threatened Maritimo when the sides squared off at the Estadio do Maritimo last Sunday.

Despite efforts from Tiago Gouveia and Francisco Geraldes, Jose Gomes's side proved too hot to handle as goals from Felix Corrie, Brayan Riascos and a brace from Andre Vidigal helped see them move out of the automatic relegation places.

Boavista head into the weekend on a run of three consecutive defeats, losing against Sporting Lisbon, Famalicao and Boavista, while they have picked up one point from their four outings since a 3-1 win over Pacos de Ferreira.

Petit's side, who have scored three goals and conceded nine since February's win over the Pacenses, have picked up 30 points from 26 games to sit 12th in the Primeira Liga standings, but could move into the top half of the table with a win this weekend.

However, next up is the daunting challenge of taking on a Vitoria de Guimaraes side who they have failed to defeat in their last six encounters, losing three and claiming three draws since a 2-0 win in February 2020.

Meanwhile, Vitoria de Guimaraes failed to arrest their slump in form last time out when they were held to a goalless draw by league strugglers Pacos de Ferreira at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques.

In a heated contest that saw six yellow cards and one red card, both sides were guilty of a lethargic display in the final third, with Nigel Thomas coming closest to grabbing the winner when he rattled the crossbar in the 98th minute.

Since their 3-1 win at Santa Clara on March 5, Joao Aroso's men have secured just one point from a possible nine, picking up one draw and losing twice, including a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Benfica on March 18.

Vitoria de Guimaraes' poor run has seen them drop out of the Conference League qualifying places as they currently sit sixth in the league standings, level on 41 points with fifth-placed Arouca.

Boavista Primeira Liga form:

L

W

D

L

L

L

Vitoria de Guimaraes Primeira Liga form:

D

W

W

L

L

D

Team News

Boavista head into the weekend with a clean bill of health and no suspension concerns, giving Petit the luxury of a full strength squad at his disposal.

Robert Bozenik was once again a bright spark off the bench against Maritimo and the Feyenoord loanee, who has two goal involvements in his last two games, could be rewarded with a starting role.

Boavista, meanwhile, will be without several key players down the spine of the team, as goalkeeper Bruno Varela, defender Jorge Fernandes and midfielder Ze Carlos are all recuperating from injuries.

Aroso will also be unable to call upon the duo of Ibrahima Bamba and Fonseca Amaro, who are currently recuperating from ankle and muscle injuries respectively.

Veteran midfielder Andre Andre should be back in the matchday squad after missing the game against Pacos de Ferreira through a one-game suspension.

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Bracali; Cannon, Abascal, Onyemaechi; Malheiro, Sasso, Watai, Makouta, Camara; Bozenik, Njie

Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:

Biai; Maga, Tounkara, Villanueva, Freitas; T Silva, D Silva, Handel; J Silva, A Silva, Safira

We say: Boavista 2-2 Vitoria de Guimaraes

Boavista and Vitoria de Guimaraes have struggled for results in recent weeks and will head into the weekend in search of a pick-me-up. While Petit's side have the home advantage, Os Vimaranenses are unbeaten in three of their last four away games. We predict both sides will cancel out each other's efforts and settle for a share of the spoils.

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