Guimarães vs Casa Pia – News and Probable Lineups

Casa Pia, who are struggling against relegation, will be eager to achieve their first victory since February when they travel to the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques to face Vitoria de Guimaraes in the second last round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Monday.

The home team is looking to secure their third consecutive win, while Os Gansos understand that anything short of a favorable outcome could jeopardize their chances of staying safe.

Match overview

Vitoria de Guimaraes was left disappointed in their quest for a third straight league win last Monday, suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Goals from Goncalo Inacio, Daniel Braganca, Maximiliano Araujo, Luis Javier Suarez, and Luis Guilherme put Sporting in a dominant position, while Zeno Debast’s own goal in the 85th minute offered a mere consolation for the visitors.

Despite their disappointing performance at Estadio Jose Alvalade, Gil Lameiras’s side has shown resilience in their recent matches, securing three wins and a draw from their last five outings, netting 10 goals and maintaining three clean sheets.

A victory this weekend could guarantee Vitoria de Guimaraes a top-half finish for the 10th consecutive season, as they currently sit in eighth place in the Primeira Liga, with 42 points from 32 matches, tied on points with seventh-placed Moreirense.

At the other end of the league, Casa Pia suffered a setback in the relegation battle last Sunday, going down to a 1-0 defeat against fellow strugglers Tondela at Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior.

In a tense match that saw both Cassiano and Jeremy Livolant receive red cards, Bebeto’s 68th-minute penalty was decisive, allowing Tondela to secure their first win since February and keep their chances of survival alive.

Casa Pia has now gone 10 matches without a victory since beating Arouca 3-2 on February 14, including recent losses to Braga, Gil Vicente, and most recently Tondela in their last three matches.

Their lack of effectiveness in attack has been a critical factor in this poor form, with Alvaro Pacheco’s team failing to score in six of their last ten matches, managing just four goals and conceding 15 during this run.

So far this season, Casa Pia has lost 16 out of 32 matches in the Primeira Liga, with a record of five wins and 11 draws resulting in 26 points, placing them 18th in the league and two points behind Estrela Amadora, who are in 15th place just above the relegation playoff spot.

Team News

Unless there are any late fitness concerns, Vitoria de Guimaraes will approach Sunday’s fixture with a full squad, providing head coach C the advantage of having all players available.

Nelson Oliveira was unable to play against Sporting Lisbon after picking up an injury late in the 2-0 win over Rio Ave on April 25, but he is expected to feature on Monday.

On the other hand, Casa Pia will be without the attacking pair of Cassiano and 28-year-old Livolant, both of whom are suspended after their red cards in the match against Tondela.

In terms of injuries, experienced defender Jose Fonte has missed the last six games after being injured against Estrela in March and will also be unavailable for Os Gansos.

Veteran goalkeeper Ricardo Batista has been sidelined since February due to a severe injury, and the 39-year-old will likewise not be present at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques.

Vitoria de Guimaraes probable starting XI:

Silva; Maga, Viondi, Balieiro, Mendes; SOUZA, Beni; Nogueira, Samu, Saviolo; Gustavo

Casa Pia probable starting XI:

Sequeira; Sousa, Geraldes, Silva; Rosas, Brito, Mohamed, Larrazabal; Marques, Cassiano, Livolant

Casa Pia understands that they need to act decisively in their fight to avoid relegation, and they are anticipated to put forth a strong effort at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques.

Following a demoralizing defeat to Sporting, Guimaraes will aim to bounce back this weekend. Given the disparity in quality and strength between the two teams, they are favored to secure all three points, continuing their recent home form.