Preview: Belenenses vs. Gil Vicente - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, head into the game without a win in their most recent three outings and will be looking to return to winning ways.

Match preview

Belenenses failed to end their winless start to the season last Sunday when they were held to a goalless draw against Vitoria Guimaraes.

In a game where Alfa Semedo and Toni Borevkovic received their marching orders, O Belem failed to make use of their numerical advantage as they were constantly repelled by an inspired Matous Trmal in the Vitoria goal.

Prior to that, Petit's men ended a three-match losing streak courtesy of a 1-1 draw against Moreirense three Fridays ago, when Chima Akas and Andre Luis scored for either side to force a share of the spoils.

Belenenses have now picked up two points from the 15 available so far and this poor start to the season sees them rooted to the bottom of the Primeira Liga standings.

This has been owing to their lethargic display at the offensive end of the pitch, where they have scored the fewest goals so far in the division with two.

Meanwhile, Gil Vicente ended their run of two consecutive defeats last time out courtesy of a 2-2 draw against Vizela.

In an action-packed contest at the Estadio Cidade de Barcelos, Marcos Paulo put the visitors ahead twice only for Spanish forward Fran Navarro to restore parity on both occasions.

Prior to that, Ricardo Soares's side picked up wins in their first two outings of the campaign before suffering successive defeats at the hands of Benfica and Santa Clara respectively.

While they will be seeking to arrest this slump in form, they face the stern test of going against an opposing side who are unbeaten in seven of the last eight meetings between the sides, picking up five wins and two draws.

Belenenses Primeira Liga form:

Belenenses form (all competitions):

Gil Vicente Primeira Liga form:

Gil Vicente form (all competitions):

Team News

Thirty-two-year-old midfielder Sandro continues his long journey to full fitness after picking up an injury in a pre-season friendly game against Sporting Lisbon back in July.

Trova Boni will serve the second of a three-game suspension after receiving his marching orders in the game against Moreirense three Fridays ago, while Afonso Taira recently completed a move to second tier side Casa Pia.

Newly-signed forward Allison Safira, who joined the club on loan from Brazilian outfit Londrina, was handed his debut last time out and after his solid performance we expect the 26-year-old to keep his place in the XI.

Meanwhile, Gil Vicente will still take to the pitch without midfield duo Joao Afonso and Antoine Leautey, who are recuperating from ankle and knee injuries respectively.

Club captain Ruben Fernandes picked up a straight red against Santa Clara three weeks ago and will serve the second of a three-game suspension.

Despite his recent side's slump in form, Navarro has been on song for the Gilistas and after taking his goal tally to four with a brace last time out the Spanish forward will be one to watch out for on Saturday.

Belenenses possible starting lineup:

Felipe; Carraca, Ribeiro, Phete, Akas, Varela; Camacho, A Sousa, Coelho, C Sousa; Safira

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:

Kritsyuk; Talocha, Gomes, Cunha, Carlos; Pedrinho, Carvalho; Lino, Bueno, Murillo; Navarro

We say: Belenenses 2-1 Gil Vicente

​After staggering into the new season, Belenenses find themselves rock bottom on the log. However, they face a Gil Vicente side who they have gotten the better of in recent meetings between the sides and will feel confident of coming away with the desired result. We are tipping Belenenses to come away with all three points and end their winless start to the season.