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

Neither side has won a match since returning from the World Cup break over a month ago.

Match preview

Efficiency has been the key for Guimaraes for much of this season, as they have scored just 15 goals in 17 matches, but have an impressive 24 points to show for it.

After losing Bruno Duarte and 15-goal Oscar Estupinan in the summer, they have evidently prioritised defensive solidity instead of looking to replace their two top scorers.

Nelson Luz and Anderson Silva are their current top scorers this season but they have just three goals each, so narrow wins and draws have been on the agenda often for Moreno's side.

Home form has also been a strong point, as 17 of their 24 points have come here at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques this season.

However, since the World Cup, they have been on an awful run of form.

They have taken one point and scored only once in their four league encounters since the return of top-flight Portuguese football, and were also knocked out of the Taca de Portugal by Braga earlier this month.

In addition to this, they were also unable to win any of their three League Cup group fixtures, despite being drawn against second tier sides Belenenses and Vilafranquense.

It leaves their chances of European qualification looking very slim as the league route is now their only option, and they are losing ground in the table every week as sides below them also catch up.

Chaves are one of those sides playing catch up and despite not winning any of their seven matches post-World Cup either, they are unbeaten in their last three.

All three ended in 1-1 draws which has kept them in touch with the final European spot which will be hotly contested by a number of sides in and around mid table.

While Guimaraes' home form has been notably strong, Chaves have been particularly useful on the road.

Out of their 22 points this season, 14 have come in away matches, as only Benfica, Porto and Portimonense have beaten them.

Victories away to Sporting Lisbon, Braga and Casa Pia - all sides in the top five - have been critical in keeping them in the running for an unlikely Europa Conference League spot for a side who were promoted via the relegation playoff last season.

Vitoria de Guimaraes Primeira Liga form:

L

W

L

D

L

L

Vitoria de Guimaraes form (all competitions):

D

L

D

L

L

L

Chaves Primeira Liga form:

D

W

L

D

D

D

Chaves form (all competitions):

L

L

L

D

D

D

Team News

Portugal Under-21 international Ze Carlos remains doubtful for Guimaraes as he continues his recovery from an injury that has kept him out since the start of 2023.

Tomas Handel, who has not featured all season, is their other current injury absentee.

Joao Correia could return soon for Chaves after he missed their last two matches with a minor injury, but Sidy Sarr is out injured once again having made only one league appearance all season.

Top scorer Hector Hernandez is still out and will be a big miss up front while Issah Abass's struggles continue in front of goal up front in his absence.

Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:

Bruno Varela; Miguel Maga, Jorge Fernandes, Andre Amaro, Villaneuva, Freitas; Dani Silva, Janvier; Jota Silva, Andre Silva, Anderson Silva

Chaves possible starting lineup:

Paulo Vitor; Sylla, Steven Vitoria, Monte, Langa; Joao Teixeira, Obiora, Ricardo Guimaraes; Singh, Abass, Juninho

We say: Vitoria de Guimaraes 1-1 Chaves

It would not be too much of a surprise if Chaves record a fourth consecutive 1-1 draw in this one given how close the sides are in the table and in similar ropey form.

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