Estoril Praia vs Gil Vicente – News and Probable Lineups

Seeking to regain their form, mid-table Estoril Praia will host Gil Vicente, who are pursuing a spot in the top four, at Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota on Sunday for round 23 of the Primeira Liga.

The Canaries, who had a strong start to the second half of the season, have seen a dip in their performance over the last few weeks, while the Roosters are currently on an upward trajectory.

Match overview

There were early signs suggesting Estoril might embark on a good run in the latter half of the season, aiming to better last year’s commendable achievement of six wins from seven matches (L1) between matchdays 18 and 24.

Having won five out of six fixtures (L1), beginning from gameweek 15 this season, it seemed inevitable that the Canaries would go on what could be their best league run in years, especially with two seemingly favorable fixtures on the horizon.

Nevertheless, Ian Cathro’s side struggled to secure wins against the two bottom-placed teams, settling for a 2-2 draw at home to Tondela before suffering a 3-0 defeat at Estadio do CD Aves, marking AVS’ first top-flight victory.

This outcome revealed defensive weaknesses that had been hidden by a previously effective attack, with Estoril conceding two or more goals in five of their last six matches, during which they also scored at least twice on four occasions.

While matching league leaders Porto in goal tally with 43 is noteworthy, the Canaries’ position — 29 points and eight places from the top in the Primeira Liga standings — highlights how much stronger their season could have been if they had displayed better defensive resilience, having let in 38 goals in league play this season.

Trailing nine points behind fifth-placed Braga and ten behind this weekend’s visitors in fourth, a win on Sunday would reignite Estoril’s European ambitions, potentially drawing them up to sixth place, assuming results in other matches favor them.

Meanwhile, Gil Vicente aims to solidify their fourth-place position following last weekend’s comeback win of 2-1 against Braga in Barcelos.

Ricardo Horta had given the Archbishops an early lead in the 22nd minute, but a strong performance in the second half turned the game around, with goals from Gustavo Varela and Santiago Garcia sealing the comeback and continuing their recent resurgence.

The Roosters, who were winless in seven consecutive matches (D6, L1) from November 9 to January 9, have now claimed four victories in five games, putting them two points ahead of fifth-placed Braga.

Chasing their second-ever European qualification, another victory this weekend would bolster Gil’s ambitions, and they can take confidence from winning three of the last five encounters with Estoril, including a 2-0 victory in the earlier match this season.

While four wins in 11 league matches away from home (D4, L3) may not provide the strongest basis, the Roosters will arrive with momentum after breaking a five-match away winless streak with a victory in their last away game.

Team News

Estoril may again be without center-back Kevin Boma and winger Andre Lacximicant, both of whom have been absent from the recent squad selections.

Or Israelov has been out with a thigh injury since September and continues to recover, while midfielder Nodar Lominadze is also a doubt after not appearing in the last match.

Cathro is likely to trust his usual front three of Rafik Guitane, Yanis Begraoui, and Alejandro Marques, despite all three having not scored in the past two fixtures.

As for Gil, Garcia is expected to maintain his position in the number 10 role after providing an assist and netting the winner last time out, with Varela pushing for a starting spot following his notable contribution from the bench.

Aside from that potential adjustment, Peixoto will be without defender Marvin Elimbi, who is suspended due to accumulating yellow cards.

In terms of injuries, Mohamed Bamba is likely to miss a fourth consecutive match, while Tidjany Toure, who was unavailable last time out, is expected to remain sidelined.

Estoril Praia probable starting XI:

Robles; Ferro, Bacher, Amaral; Sanchez, Orellana, Holsgrove, Carvalho; Guitane, Marques,
Begraoui

Gil Vicente probable starting XI:

Lucao; Ze Carlos, J Buatu, Espigares, Konan; Caceres, Stephen; Souza, Garcia, J Fernandes; Varela

Despite Estoril’s recent challenges, they have been solid at home, with the Canaries currently unbeaten in their last five home matches, providing them with a solid foundation going into this fixture.

However, given Gil’s present momentum and recent successes in this matchup, the visitors seem well-positioned to secure all three points in what is expected to be an open game with multiple goals.