Preview: Vitoria de Guimaraes vs. Fiorentina – prediction, team news, lineups

As the inaugural league phase reaches its grand finale, Conference League high-flyers Vitoria de Guimaraes and Fiorentina are set for a Thursday night clash at Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques.

Second hosts third, with Vitoria needing just one point to secure a place in the last 16; La Viola can guarantee progress with a victory.

Match preview

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Having impressed throughout their Conference League campaign – averaging over two goals per game and remaining undefeated – Vitoria SC are on course for a cherished top-eight finish following their matchday five success in Switzerland.

The Portuguese side strode past St Gallen last week, recording 30 shots on target – more than half of which were on target – as they made it four wins and one draw from five fixtures so far.

A 4-1 victory virtually sealed automatic qualification to the knockout rounds for Os Conquistadores, who sit second behind imperious league-phase leaders Chelsea with one game remaining.

Topping the Conference League in attempts (120) and currently ranked fourth for goals scored (12), Vitoria are earning a reputation as entertainers, and they will now try to finish the job in style in front of their supporters.

Head coach Rui Borges has seen his reputation surge due to such continental exploits, though his team are not quite keeping the same standards in the Primeira Liga.

Sitting sixth after fighting back from two goals down to salvage a point against Rio Ave on Monday, the Guimaraes club are five adrift of the European places, having posted just a couple of wins from their last nine top-flight outings.

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By contrast with their hosts, only a weekend defeat to Bologna finally halted Fiorentina’s purple patch in Serie A, where they occupy fourth place in the standings with one game in hand on most of their rivals.

Fresh from last week’s 7-0 Conference League thrashing of LASK – the Viola’s biggest European victory to date, in which Riccardo Sottil struck twice and Albert Gudmundsson finished things off with a late penalty – they were full of confidence for this season’s first Derby dell’Appennino.

However, Fiorentina’s superb sequence of eight straight league wins was brought to its end by a 1-0 loss to former boss Vincenzo Italiano at Stadio Dall’Ara, denying them a new club record.

Raffaele Palladino‘s men have nonetheless set an impressive standard for the rest of the season, and claiming Conference League glory after two failures in the final will feature high on their list – particularly after a recent Coppa Italia exit to local rivals Empoli.

The Tuscan club’s only European defeat came at the hands of APOEL in November, so they are well-placed to seal direct entry to the last 16 – if not, a playoff place has been safely banked already.

Vitoria de Guimaraes Conference League form:

Vitoria de Guimaraes form (all competitions):

Fiorentina Conference League form:

Fiorentina form (all competitions):

Team News

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Rui Borges has made several changes to his Vitoria side between Primeira Liga and Conference League fixtures, and that trend could continue on Thursday.

Nuno Santos put on an impressive performance in Switzerland last week, recording two assists and linking up well with ex-Benfica striker Nelson Oliveiraso he will expect to start again.

Although Venezuela defender Mikel Villanueva recently returned from a layoff, Toni Borevkovic and Bruno Gaspar are both ruled out by injury.

Fiorentina also rotate their squad in Europe, so star men such as David de Gea may be rested – given the stakes, though, Raffaele Palladino might choose to alter his selection policy.

Despite rarely getting any action in Serie A, Jonathan Icon is the Viola’s four-goal top scorer in the Conference League this season, so the French forward is set to start in northern Portugal.

The visitors have almost everyone available, with the sole exception of midfielder Edoardo Bovewho is still convalescing after his recent cardiac arrest.

Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:
Varela; Baio, Rivas, Villanueva, Mendes; G. Silva, Manu, T. Silva; Kaio, Oliveira, Santos

Fiorentina possible starting lineup:
Terracciano; Dodo, Martinez Quarta, Ranieri, Parisi; Richardson, Mandragora; Ikone, Gudmundsson, Kouame; Kean

We say: Vitoria de Guimaraes 2-2 Fiorentina

A formidable proposition on home turf, Vitoria can expect to pick up the point they need to ensure a last-16 spot.

Fiorentina have been beaten by Empoli and Bologna in recent weeks, so their sheen of invincibility seems to be wearing off – other results could decide whether they slip into the playoffs.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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