Amid a dreadful run, managerless Gil Vicente will be eager to defy the odds on Thursday when they host an out-of-sorts Sporting Lisbon, battling for a place in the final four of the Taca de Portugal.
Still searching for a replacement for Bruno Pinheiro, the hosts come into this encounter on the back of five successive defeats, while the Lions are also winless in their last five, suffering one loss, with three of the remaining four draws coming in their last three outings.
Match preview
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A 1-0 defeat to Casa Pia four days after Pinheiro's departure added to Gil's woes, extending a losing streak that has seen them slump to 14th in the Primeira Liga standings with 22 points, just two above the relegation playoff spot.
Before their recent struggles, the Gilistas had enjoyed a seven-match unbeaten run, rounding it off with consecutive victories, including a home triumph over Porto that followed their 1-0 success against Moreirense in the Taca de Portugal round of 16 to book their place in the quarter-finals.
That marked their first top-flight opponent in the competition after dispatching lower-division teams Vila Real and Belenenses in previous rounds, but the challenge only intensifies as the Roosters now prepare to face a Sporting side sitting at the summit of the Primeira Liga while they chase just their second-ever semi-final appearance, having only secured a place in the last four in 2015-16.
Thursday's clash marks the third Taca de Portugal meeting between the Barcelos-based outfit and Sporting, with the away sides winning the previous two — Gil claiming a 1-0 victory in 2012 before the Lions returned the favour with a 2-0 win in 2019 — an outcome the hosts will be desperate to avoid this time.
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Meanwhile, after falling to Benfica in the Allianz Cup final via penalties and bowing out of the Champions League against Dortmund in the knockout playoffs, Sporting will be determined to strengthen their drive to clinch a double this season with a victory in midweek.
However, despite sitting atop the Primeira Liga with 53 points, their six-point advantage over second-placed Benfica has vanished, leaving Rui Borges's side only ahead on goal difference following three successive draws, the latest being a 2-2 stalemate away to AVS last Saturday.
Putting their league concerns aside, Sporting will now turn their focus to progressing in the Taca de Portugal after eliminating Portimonense, Amarante and Santa Clara, overcoming the latter 2-1 after extra time to reach the quarter-finals.
Aiming for a second successive semi-final and a fourth in the last eight seasons, the Lions have reached the final in three of those runs, lifting the trophy once in 2018-19, and another triumph would further fuel their bid for a domestic double.
Team News
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Sphephelo Sithole remains unavailable for Gil as he continues his recovery from a ligament injury, while Pablo is doubtful after missing the last four matches.
Having failed to find the net in their previous outing — making it three matches without a goal — changes in attack could be on the cards, potentially paving the way for Jorge Aguirre to return to the starting lineup.
Sporting will be without several key players, with Geny Catamo sidelined due to an ankle sprain, while Hidemasa Morita, Jerry St Juste and Pedro Goncalves remain unavailable with muscle injuries.
Meanwhile, Daniel Braganca and Nuno Santos face lengthy spells out after suffering cruciate ligament injuries, and Goncalo Inacio is suspended following his red card in the previous round against Santa Clara.
On a positive note, Francisco Trincao and Viktor Gyokeres returned to the starting lineup last time out after missing the previous match, and the attacking duo could retain their places on Thursday.
Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:
Andrew; Cruz, Fernandes, Josue Sa, Ze Carlos; Fujimoto, Castillo, Marques; Bermejo, Aguirre, Correia
Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Silva; Fresneda, Reis, Quaresma, Araujo; Brito, Simoes, Hjulmand; Trincao, Gyokeres, Quenda
We say: Gil Vicente 0-2 Sporting Lisbon
While Sporting's recent struggles have raised concerns, their pedigree in this competition makes them favourites to prevail, especially against a Gil side reeling from a woeful run of defeats.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
