Vitoria de Guimaraes vs. Santa Clara Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 4 October 2025

We’re set for an intriguing clash in Liga Portugal Round 8 as ninth-placed Vitoria de Guimaraes face off against eighth-placed Santa Clara. Both teams share 8 points in the standings, promising a competitive duel at Estadio D. Afonso Henriques. Vitoria de Guimaraes are slight favourites with bookmaker odds of 2.40 to win, bolstered by a solid home record against Santa Clara, having won their last encounter here 2-0. Luis Pinto will rely on veteran striker Nelson Oliveira, their top scorer with 2 goals. Santa Clara, coached by Vasco Matos, come into this fixture with a resilient defence, notably keeping clean sheets in two of their last five games. However, they’ll be without Pedro Pacheco, who is doubtful due to a knee injury. Expect Joao Goncalves to maintain order as the match’s referee. The recommended bet is a Vitoria de Guimaraes win, considering their strong home performance history against Santa Clara.

Vitoria de Guimaraes vs Santa Clara Prediction & Betting tip

Reasons:

1. Vitoria de Guimaraes have a strong recent home record against Santa Clara, including a 2-0 win in their last encounter.
2. They are slight favourites with bookmaker odds of 2.40, reflecting their edge in this matchup.
3. Santa Clara will be without key player Pedro Pacheco, which could weaken their defensive solidity.

Both teams are evenly matched in the league with 8 points each, making this a closely contested game. However, based on previous head-to-head performance and home advantage, the recommended bet is a Vitoria de Guimaraes win.

Vitoria de Guimaraes vs Santa Clara Odds

This matchup between Vitoria de Guimaraes and Santa Clara is shaping up to be a closely contested battle, according to the bookmakers. Here are the latest odds for various outcomes in the game:

Both teams are locked on 8 points each in the Liga Portugal standings, making this a vital match for both sides. Vitoria de Guimaraes are slight favourites with an edge given their strong home record and recent 2-0 win against Santa Clara at Estadio D. Afonso Henriques. The odds for a draw are intriguing at 3.00, suggesting a well-balanced encounter. Santa Clara’s odds of 3.09 might attract those who believe in an away upset, though they will be without key player Pedro Pacheco due to injury.

Vitoria de Guimaraes Team Analysis

Vitoria de Guimaraes Recent Performance:

Vitoria de Guimaraes have had a mixed run in their last five matches, recording one win, two draws, and two losses. Here’s a brief look at their recent results:

• Loss: Alverca 2-0 Vitoria de Guimaraes (28 Sep, 2025)
• Draw: Vitoria de Guimaraes 1-1 Braga (20 Sep, 2025)
• Win: Estrela da Amadora 0-2 Vitoria de Guimaraes (14 Sep, 2025)
• Draw: Vitoria de Guimaraes 1-1 Arouca (30 Aug, 2025)
• Loss: Moreirense 2-0 Vitoria de Guimaraes (23 Aug, 2025)

Vitoria de Guimaraes have managed to keep just one clean sheet in their last five games. On the offensive side, they have averaged 0.8 goals per match during this period. Despite the roller-coaster form, their home performances are generally solid. A notable performance was their 2-0 win over Estrela da Amadora, highlighting their ability to bounce back on familiar turf. Coach Luís Pinto will aim to address their defensive vulnerabilities, especially given their average concession of 1.4 goals per game this season.

Vitoria de Guimaraes Key Players

Nelson Oliveira stands out as the key player for Vitoria de Guimaraes. As the team’s top scorer with 2 goals this season, he’s expected to lead the attack and trouble Santa Clara’s defence.

Vitoria’s potential lineup features:

• Goalkeeper: Juan Castillo
• Defenders: Miguel Maga, Oscar Rivas, Rodrigo Abascal, João Mendes
• Midfielders: Beni Mukendi, Matija Mitrovic, Telmo Arcanjo, Miguel Nogueira, Noah Saviolo
• Forward: Nelson Oliveira

Key battles to watch:

• Nelson Oliveira vs Frederico Venancio: Oliveira’s experience could be decisive against Santa Clara’s solid centre-back.
• Telmo Arcanjo vs Lucas Soares: Arcanjo’s creativity might be pivotal in breaking Santa Clara’s lines.

The team’s attack will heavily rely on these players, alongside a cohesive defensive unit aiming to plug recent gaps noted in their 1.4 goals concession average this season.

Vitoria de Guimaraes Suspensions & Injuries

Good news for Vitoria de Guimaraes fans: the team has no reported suspensions or significant injuries ahead of their clash with Santa Clara. This means coach Luís Pinto has a full squad to select from, allowing him to field his strongest lineup.

Having a fit and available squad could be a crucial advantage. The absence of suspensions or injuries will likely provide a morale boost and add depth to their matchday options, giving Pinto the flexibility to make tactical adjustments if needed. Overall, the team’s readiness could play a vital role in their performance, as they aim to clinch a much-needed victory to climb up the Liga Portugal standings.

Vitoria de Guimaraes Tactics and Formation

Vitoria de Guimaraes are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for this match, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking intent. Here’s a tactical breakdown:

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Key Forward: Nelson Oliveira
Midfield Setup: Two defensive midfielders in Beni Mukendi and Matija Mitrovic, with Telmo Arcanjo operating as the attacking midfielder.
Defensive Setup: The defence has conceded 1.4 goals on average per game this season, but with no injuries or suspensions, they’ll look to improve on this statistic.
Key Strategy: The team often finds their rhythm in the second half, so expect an increased attacking output as the game progresses.

Utilising Nelson Oliveira’s experience up front and industrious midfielders behind him, the team aims to control possession and press effectively, particularly focusing on creating chances through the wings.

Santa Clara Team Analysis

Santa Clara Recent Performance:

Santa Clara have had a steady run in their last five outings, marked by two wins, two draws, and one loss. Here’s a quick look at their recent results:

• Loss: Santa Clara 1-2 Tondela (27 Sep, 2025)
• Win: Santa Clara 2-1 Alverca (20 Sep, 2025)
• Draw: Benfica 1-1 Santa Clara (12 Sep, 2025)
• Win: Estoril 0-1 Santa Clara (06 Sep, 2025)
• Draw: Santa Clara 0-0 Estrela da Amadora (31 Aug, 2025)

Santa Clara have managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five games, indicating a reasonably solid defence. They have averaged 1 goal per game in this period, showcasing a balanced offensive and defensive approach. Despite their mixed form, their resilience in away games, including a notable draw against Benfica, is impressive. Coach Vasco Matos will aim to build on these performances, especially focusing on tightening their defence and improving their goal-scoring capabilities.

Santa Clara Key Players

Gabriel Silva is a key player for Santa Clara, serving as their leading scorer with one goal this season. His performances will be crucial for Santa Clara to break through Vitoria de Guimaraes’ defence.

Expected lineup for Santa Clara:

• Goalkeeper: Gabriel Batista
• Defenders: Sidney Lima, Frederico Venancio, Matheus Nunes
• Midfielders: Lucas Soares, Adriano Firmino, Sérginho Miguel Araújo Lobo, Matheus Pereira
• Forwards: Diogo Calila, Anthony Carter, Luquinhas

Key battles to watch:

• Gabriel Silva vs Juan Castillo: Silva will look to test Vitoria’s goalkeeper with his sharp finishing.
• Anthony Carter vs Oscar Rivas: Carter’s physical presence could pose significant challenges for Guimaraes’ central defence.

Santa Clara’s tactical play will involve Gabriel Batista’s steady goalkeeping and strategic midfield combinations to support their forwards, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses from their opponents.

Santa Clara Suspensions & Injuries

Santa Clara will be missing the services of Pedro Pacheco, who is out with a knee injury and is doubtful for the match against Vitoria de Guimaraes. This absence could be a significant blow to their midfield stability.

Pacheco’s defensive skills and ability to break up the play will be sorely missed, potentially weakening Santa Clara’s ability to control the midfield. Coach Vasco Matos will need to find a suitable replacement to fill the gap and ensure the team retains its defensive organisation. No suspensions have been reported, allowing most of the squad to focus on maintaining their solid defensive record and aiming for an upset in this closely contested fixture.

Santa Clara Tactics and Formation

Santa Clara are expected to set up in a 3-4-3 formation, looking to blend structural defensive organisation with quick transitions in attack. Here’s a tactical breakdown:

Formation: 3-4-3
Key Forward: Gabriel Silva
Midfield Setup: Four versatile midfielders with Lucas Soares and Matheus Pereira providing width, and Adriano Firmino and Sérginho Miguel Araújo Lobo anchoring the midfield.
Defensive Setup: With three central defenders in Sidney Lima, Frederico Venancio, and Matheus Nunes, their goal is to maintain a solid backline, complemented by goalkeeper Gabriel Batista.
Key Strategy: Santa Clara’s strategy relies on quick counter-attacks and exploiting wide spaces to stretch the Vitoria de Guimaraes defence. Given their average of 1 goal per game, timely offensive bursts will be crucial, especially in capitalising on any defensive lapses from Vitoria.

Lucas Soares and Matheus Pereira are pivotal in transitions, while Gabriel Silva is tasked with converting chances upfront.

Vitoria de Guimaraes vs Santa Clara Head-to-Head Statistics

Examining the last five encounters between Vitoria de Guimaraes and Santa Clara provides valuable insights into their competition history:

• Vitoria de Guimaraes 2-0 Santa Clara (5 Apr, 2025) – Liga Portugal
• Santa Clara 1-0 Vitoria de Guimaraes (10 Nov, 2024) – Liga Portugal
• Santa Clara 1-3 Vitoria de Guimaraes (5 Mar, 2023) – Liga Portugal
• Vitoria de Guimaraes 1-0 Santa Clara (9 Sep, 2022) – Liga Portugal
• Vitoria de Guimaraes 1-1 Santa Clara (1 May, 2022) – Liga Portugal

Key points:

• Vitoria de Guimaraes have won three of these five matches.
• Santa Clara managed a single victory and a draw.
• In their last home fixture, Vitoria de Guimaraes emerged 2-0 winners, demonstrating their recent strong home performance against Santa Clara.

These head-to-head stats highlight Vitoria de Guimaraes’ edge, especially when playing on home turf.

Odds accurate as of 2 October 2025 20:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.