Vitoria SC GuimaraesvsAVS Futebol SAD

Current Form and Managerial Changes

Vitoria SC Guimaraes is navigating a challenging phase in the Primeira Liga, having not secured a victory in their last eight league matches. Their last triumph was a decisive 4-0 win against Gil Vicente on December 2, 2024. Since then, they have been mired in a sequence of five draws and two losses, with recent defeats to Benfica and Estoril. Despite appointing their third manager of the season, Luis Freire, the team's fortunes have yet to turn. Freire's tenure has been marked by continued struggles, particularly at home, where they have drawn three consecutive matches. This is the first time since December 2003 that Vitoria SC Guimaraes has failed to win at home in three successive games.

Home Advantage and Offensive Prowess

Despite their recent struggles, Vitoria SC Guimaraes remains one of the top attacking teams in the league, having scored 28 goals this season, a tally surpassed by only four other teams. Their home form, although winless recently, ranks sixth in the league, with Porto being the only team to have defeated them at home this season. The upcoming match against AVS Futebol SAD, scheduled at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques, is pivotal. AVS, battling to avoid relegation, have had a turbulent season with multiple managerial changes. Their last league victory was on January 26, 2025, against Gil Vicente, marking their first win since September 14.

Key Players and Tactical Adjustments

For the match against AVS, Vitoria SC Guimaraes is likely to field an unchanged starting XI from their last outing, with new signing Umaro Embalo potentially making his debut. However, they will be without Bruno Gaspar and Gustavo Silva due to muscle injuries. AVS, on the other hand, may see Lucas Piazon replace Rodrigo Ribeiro, and Ze Luis is expected to start as the lone striker. Fernando Fonseca will miss the game due to accumulated yellow cards, paving the way for Tomas Tavares to start. Giorgi Aburjania, sidelined for some time, is not expected to be part of the traveling squad.

Statistical Insights and Prediction

Historically, Vitoria SC Guimaraes has had the upper hand in this fixture, winning their last encounter 2-0. AVS Futebol SAD's away form has been poor, with three consecutive losses and an overall away record of 0-1-4 this season. They have also struggled to score, failing to find the net in two of their five away matches. Vitoria SC Guimaraes, on the other hand, has scored in four of their five home matches. Given these statistics and the home advantage, Vitoria SC Guimaraes is poised to break their winless streak. The prediction is a home win with a final score of 2-0, and it is unlikely that both teams will score.