Farense vs Gil Vicente
Portuguese Primeira Liga
Saturday
6th January 2024
Estádio de São Luís
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Portuguese Primeira Liga fixture between Farense and Gil Vicente.
Farense vs Gil Vicente: Preview
Farense form analysis
They have endured mixed results over their last five matches across Primeira Liga and cup play, notching one win, two draws, and two losses. Their latest disappointing result was a 4-0 thrashing away at high-flying Estoril on December 30th. This follows back-to-back goalless draws against third division surprise package Estrela da Amadora on December 16th and at home against Vitória Guimarães on November 30th. Prior to that, Farense battled Portuguese giants Benfica to an impressive 1-1 home draw on December 8th, taking a shock lead through Cláudio Falcão before conceding to a Rafa Silva equalizer.
Farense had kicked off this spell with an excellent come-from-behind 3-1 away win at Boavista on November 12th powered by goals from Baldé, Isidoro and Barbosa. So while Farense has shown they can compete with Portugal’s elite teams, the manager will want to see more attacking threat generated to turn draws into wins. Greater consistency is required if they are to avoid another relegation battle.
Gil Vicente form analysis
Gil Vicente has struggled to find consistency in recent league matches. After playing Rio Ave to a 1-1 draw on November 23rd, Gil Vicente suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Sporting Lisbon on December 5th. They went ahead early after a Rúben Fernandes own goal, but were soon overpowered by Sporting, conceding three times in the second half. Gil Vicente managed to rebound with a scrappy 1-1 home draw against Moreirense on December 12th, going ahead from the penalty spot before conceding a late equalizer. However, their momentum was short-lived as they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 away at Arouca on December 16th. Gil Vicente conceded twice in the second half to a ruthless Arouca attack.
They managed to end 2023 on a moderately positive note, grinding out a 1-0 home win over Boavista on December 30th courtesy of a second-half penalty by Murilo. Overall, Gil Vicente has struggled on the road while picking up marginally better results at home. Scoring goals has also been an issue, with penalty kicks accounting for two of their last three goals scored. Shoring up the defense and improving chance conversion seem to be areas manager Ivo Vieira needs to focus on moving forward. With only one win from their last five league matches, Gil Vicente will hope to find more consistency as the second half of the Primeira Liga season gets underway.
