Primeira Liga | Gameweek 27

Apr 1, 2025 at 8.15pm UK

Estadio do Bessa Seculo XXI

Boavista vs Gil Vicente

Match preview

With only eight games remaining, Boavista's survival hopes are fading fast, as their 15-point tally leaves them eight adrift of safety.

The Chequered Ones have endured a turbulent campaign, spending much of it in the relegation zone, and their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Moreirense last time out only added to their woes.

It was the second successive defeat for Boavista, who had briefly ended a 13-match winless streak - which included eight successive defeats - by beating Santa Clara.

Os Axadrezados' struggles stem from their inefficiency at both ends of the pitch, having failed to find the net in 15 of their 26 league games, while they have the worst attacking record in the league with just 16 goals and the second-worst defensive record with 43 conceded.

As a result, they have managed just three league victories this season, all of which have come amid extended winless streaks, but an intriguing pattern has emerged - two of those victories have come against the same opponents.

Prior to their most recent triumph, Lito Vidigal's side had beaten Santa Clara in their opening league fixture, before beating the visitors 2-1 in the reverse fixture on Tuesday to end an eight-match winless run, and they will now be looking for another double as they fight to revive their survival hopes.

Gil Vicente's side only managed to stay above the relegation zone thanks to an impressive six-match unbeaten run (W3 D3) between early December and mid-January, the last result of which was a stunning 3-1 win over Porto.

Since then, however, the Roosters have picked up just one point from eight top-flight outings, including a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Benfica last Friday.

Gil Vicente's side's struggles in the final third were once again on full display as they failed to find the back of the net for the sixth time in their last eight league games and the seventh time in nine in all competitions.

The result leaves Cesar Peixoto's side 14th on 23 points, only above the relegation zone on goal difference, and they will be hoping to end their winless run and avoid danger on Tuesday.

Recent Performance

Boavista Primeira Liga form:LLLWLL

Gil Vicente Primeira Liga form:LLLDLL

Gil Vicente form (all competitions):LLLDLL

Team News

Robert Bozenik could regain his place in attack after being left out of the starting line-up for the second consecutive game last time out, meaning Abdoulay Diaby, who he replaced, could be dropped to the bench.

Other changes in that game saw winger Moussa Kone and midfielder Miguel Reisinho come in for Gboly Ariyibi and Ilija Vukotic respectively, and both could be given a chance this time around.

Meanwhile, Salvador Agra will be absent due to suspension following his dismissal against Moreirense, with Ibrahima expected to start at right-back. Luis Pires, Joao Goncalves, Augusto Dabo, Marco Ribeiro and Tomas Silva are all expected to miss out through injury.

Santi Garcia will not be available for Gil Vicente due to suspension after picking up his 10th booking of the season last time out. Sphephelo Sithole remains on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from a long-term ligament injury.

Possible starting lineup

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Vaclik; Abascal, Vitoria, Fogning; Kakay, Vukotic, Resinho, Ibrahima; Kone, Bozenik, Van Ginkel

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:

Andrew; Cruz, Sa, Buantu, Cruz; Bamba, Teixeira; Toure, Correia, Eduardo; Pablo