Guimarães vs Nacional – News and Probable Lineups

Still seeking his initial point in the Primeira Liga since taking over at Vitoria de Guimaraes in June, Tiago Margarido will face his former team, Nacional, at Estadio D. Afonso Henriques during matchday three on Saturday evening.

The 37-year-old head coach has experienced two defeats in his team’s first two league fixtures, as he prepares to challenge the club he departed at the end of the previous season, while Joao Giao has had a strong start since taking the reins at the Funchal side.

Match overview

Following a strong pre-season run under Margarido’s management, where his squad won five out of seven summer friendlies (D2), few anticipated such a sluggish start to the season, especially with a chance to open their league campaign on home turf.

The Conquerors experienced a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Arouca in their Primeira Liga opener at Afonso Henriques, although last weekend’s 3-2 loss at Sporting Lisbon showed a more determined display that could have yielded a different result if the Guimaraes club had been more assertive.

After falling behind by three goals in the first half, quick goals from Samu and Alioune Ndoye after the hour mark reignited hopes for a comeback, yet Vitoria exited Estadio Jose Alvalade without points, extending a poor streak dating back to the previous season.

Sitting on a five-match league losing streak, the Conquerors also ended the previous campaign with three consecutive defeats, finishing ninth before Gil Lameiras’s exit, and they currently find themselves in 16th place in the early league table.

Vitoria can feel optimistic about putting an end to their losing run this weekend, considering they have won three of their last five encounters against Nacional at home, remaining unbeaten in the other two. However, they did lose 2-0 in Funchal on the last day of the previous season, shortly before Margarido’s departure from Nacional.

Seeking consecutive wins in this matchup for the first time since May to November 2015, Nacional enters this fixture confident after accumulating four points from their first two games of the new term.

Giao’s squad showed resilience by coming from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Santa Clara in their opening match, followed by a 2-0 home victory over Estoril Praia last weekend, marking his first competitive triumph in charge.

The Green and Blacks capitalized on a man advantage after Xeka’s red card in the 32nd minute, with goals from Ze Vitor and Leo Santos securing all three points for them.

This result means Nacional has netted two goals in each of their last three league appearances, including their victory over Vitoria on the final day of last season, and they will aim to continue this attacking momentum in this match.

Currently placed fourth in the Primeira Liga standings, Nacional’s promising start offers hope for a side eager to penetrate the upper half of the table after two successive 14th-place finishes, with this weekend presenting another chance to bolster their aspirations.

Team News

Vitoria seems to have no injury troubles among their key players, although head coach Margarido may consider alterations to the side that played last weekend after their impressive second-half showing.

The introduction of Miguel Nogueira after halftime made a difference, and the forward may earn his first start of the season after providing an assist for Samu’s goal.

Ndoye is expected to lead the line again after scoring against Sporting, and he will be looking to find the net this weekend as well.

As for Nacional, Ulisses Rocha continues to recover from injury, and left-back Jose Gomes is also doubtful for the upcoming match.

Manager Giao is likely to maintain his winning lineup from the last match, with Pablo Ruan expected to retain his position despite not scoring in the first two fixtures of the season.

Vitoria de Guimaraes probable starting XI:

Zych; Maga, Rivas, Balieiro, Mendes; G NOGUEIRA, Beni; M Nogueira, Samu, Silva; Ndoye

Nacional probable starting XI:

Marine; Vitor, Dias, Santos; Wesley, Liziero, Soares, Jensen; Baeza, Ruan, Daniel

Although Vitoria has encountered defeats in their initial two matches, they have displayed signs of attacking potential in both fixtures, with their first match loss mainly attributed to missed opportunities, while their second-half performance against Sporting could uplift their morale ahead of this clash.

Nacional has marked an impressive beginning to the season, yet they head to Guimaraes, where they have historically faced difficulties in recent visits, and a home win is anticipated as Margarido aims for his first competitive victory at the helm of the Minho club.