FC VizelavsAcademico de Viseu FC

The Stage is Set

FC Vizela and Academico de Viseu FC are gearing up for a clash that promises to be anything but ordinary. Both teams have been on a rollercoaster ride this season, with Vizela sitting in 13th place and Viseu in 7th. But don't let the standings fool you. Vizela is a fortress at home, unbeaten in their last 12 matches at the Estádio do Futebol Clube de Vizela. Meanwhile, Viseu struggles on the road, failing to win any of their last 10 away games. This sets the stage for a thrilling encounter.

Vizela's Home Advantage

Vizela's home form is their ace in the hole. They've been rock-solid, with a defense that rarely cracks under pressure. Coach Fábio Pereira has instilled a newfound resilience in the squad since taking over in December 2023. With players like Obah leading the charge, Vizela has scored in 10 consecutive matches. Their consistency in the lineup, featuring key players like Orest Lebedenko, who has 6 assists to his name, adds to their strength. The departure of Alejandro Alvarado might have raised eyebrows, but the team seems unfazed, ready to capitalize on their home advantage.

Viseu's Struggles and Strengths

Academico de Viseu FC, on the other hand, is a team of contrasts. They've shown flashes of brilliance, like their recent 2-1 victory over Feirense, but inconsistency plagues them. Their away form is a glaring weakness, compounded by a disciplinary record that includes 9 red cards this season. Yet, they have players like André Clóvis and Gautier Ott, who can turn the tide in their favor. Viseu's ability to score 31% of their goals between the 16th and 30th minutes is a testament to their potential to surprise.

The Prediction

History favors Vizela in this matchup. They've lost just once in their last six meetings with Viseu. The average number of goals in these encounters is 1.6, with Vizela scoring 1 goal per match against Viseu's 0.6. However, both teams have shown a tendency to concede, making a case for both teams to score. Expect Vizela to edge out a victory, leveraging their home advantage and recent form. But don't count Viseu out entirely; their knack for early goals could make this a nail-biter.