Sitting 12th in the league table, just three points above the relegation zone, Gil Vicente is facing an uphill battle to avoid being drawn into the ongoing relegation fight. A surprising fifth-place finish in their third season back in the top flight had fans hopeful for continued improvement, but the Roosters have struggled this season, finishing 13th in the following campaign and now finding themselves in a potential relegation battle. A run of seven matches without a victory, including four consecutive defeats, saw them fall into 14th place, resulting in the dismissal of manager Vitor Campelos. A crucial win in their previous outing against Moreirense, the only team outside the top four to win on matchday 30, lifted them to 12th in the table. However, they remain just three points above Portimonense, who occupy the relegation playoff spot. Two of their final four fixtures are against fellow relegation-battling sides, making the upcoming encounter with Arouca a potentially vital game.
Arouca, on the other hand, is comfortably sitting in sixth place, having had an incredible rise up the table last season after finishing just two points above the bottom three in their first year back in the Primeira Liga in 2021-22. They have maintained their position in the top six for consecutive campaigns, despite two losses in March putting their position at risk. Three victories and a draw in the following four matches created an eight-point lead on eighth place, solidifying their sixth-place standing.
In terms of team news, Gil Vicente has a single injury concern with defender Ruben Fernandes doubtful for the match, while Arouca is likely to be without Tiago Esgaio for the second match in a row. Rafa Mujica, who has been in phenomenal form for Arouca with 20 goals in the league, is expected to lead the line once again.
Despite ending their winless streak in their previous outing, Gil Vicente has failed to beat Arouca in any of the last 14 meetings between the two sides. With Arouca’s impressive form and recent head-to-head record, they are favored to come out on top in this crucial match.
