Estrela vs Vizela
Portuguese Primeira Liga
Saturday
6th January 2024
Estadio José Gomes
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Portuguese Primeira Liga fixture between Estrela and Vizela.
Estrela vs Vizela: Preview
Estrela form analysis
The club has had mixed results in recent league matches. They suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Moreirense on November 11th after conceding late to André Luís. Estrela then managed to salvage a 1-1 home draw against Rio Ave on December 2nd, conceding first to an Aderllan Santos goal before a late own goal secured them a point. This seemed to ignite Estrela, as they picked up their first win in five matches by beating Boavista 3-1 at home on December 10th. Goals from Léo Jabá, a Boavista own goal, and Kikas gave Estrela a comfortable lead before conceding a late consolation.
The momentum was short-lived though, as Estrela were held to a goalless draw away at Farense on December 16th, failing to capitalize on some decent chances. Just as it seemed Estrela had turned a corner, they were hammered 4-1 at home by Arouca on December 29th. After going ahead through Kialonda Gaspar, Estrela’s defense collapsed in the second half, conceding four goals to a ruthless Arouca attack. Overall, Estrela has shown they can trouble teams in attack but their inconsistency and defensive struggles have prevented them from stringing positive results together. Consolidating at the back seems key to building confidence and consistency going into the second half of the season, where Estrela will aim for a mid-table finish.
Vizela form analysis
Vizela has struggled to pick up positive results in recent league matches. After playing out a goalless draw with Famalicão on November 11th, Vizela suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Chaves on December 2nd despite going ahead early through S. Essende. They then faced a humbling 1-3 home loss to Sporting Braga on December 8th, with striker S. Banza bagging a brace for the visitors. Vizela got a goal back through Essende but were outplayed for most of the match. They managed to stop the rot with a gritty 1-1 away draw against Rio Ave on December 16th, with Essende again on target to give Vizela the lead before conceding an equalizer in the second half.
Vizela ended the year with another goalless draw at home against Moreirense on December 23rd, struggling to create clear-cut chances. Overall, Vizela’s form has dipped after a decent start to the season. While striker Samu Essende has impressed, scoring three of their last four goals, the rest of the attack has misfired. At the back, they have conceded at least once in their last five league games. The manager will hope the winter break provides time for reflection and rejuvenation, as Vizela try to pull away from the relegation zone in the second half of the campaign.
