Vitoria are set to face Nacional in a Primeira Liga clash on Monday night, as they turn their attention back to domestic duties. Vitoria had a disappointing result last week, settling for a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina, but they did secure a spot in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals. They started December with a convincing 4-0 win over Gil Vicente and have only lost one of their last seven games in all competitions. Vitoria will be looking to make up ground in the race for European qualification and will be buoyed by their strong home form. They are unbeaten in their last seven games at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques, winning five and drawing two. It’s worth noting that they have only lost one home game this season.
In terms of team news, Nelson Oliveira could return to Vitoria’s squad after missing out against Fiorentina. However, Toni Borevkovic and Bruno Gaspar are expected to remain sidelined due to injury. Gustavo Silva, who has scored in his last three appearances, will lead the line for Vitoria, while academy graduate Alberto Costa will retain his spot at right-back.
On the other hand, Nacional are coming off a 2-0 defeat against Benfica and find themselves in a relegation battle. They have struggled since their return to the Primeira Liga and have won just two of their last 12 games in all competitions. Nacional were knocked out of the League Cup by Sporting Lisbon, losing 3-1. When they last visited the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques in January 2021, they suffered a 3-1 defeat.
Nacional will be without Nigel Thomas, who picked up an injury in their last game against Benfica. However, veteran striker Dyego Sousa could feature after returning to the squad earlier this month. Isaac, the Brazil U21 international, will lead the line for Nacional, while former Vitoria academy graduate Luis Esteves will face his old club.
Key factors to consider in this match include Vitoria’s 3-1 victory over Nacional in their previous meeting at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques, Vitoria’s unbeaten home record in their last seven games, Nacional’s poor form with just two wins in their last 12 games, Nacional’s struggles away from home with five consecutive defeats, and Vitoria’s solid defensive record at home.
In conclusion, Vitoria will be confident of securing a win at home and closing the gap in the race for European qualification. With their strong defensive record and Nacional’s poor away form, Vitoria will pose a tough challenge for the relegation-threatened side. The verdict is a Vitoria win, with the best odds being 8/15 according to Luckster.
