Vitoria de Guimaraes vs Middlesbrough predictions for this pre-season friendly. Starting their Championship season build-up, Middlesbrough face Vitoria de Guimaraes on Saturday in Vila Real de Santo Antonio. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Club Friendlies | Jul 13, 2024 at 3pm UK at Vila Real de Santo Antonio
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Vitoria de Guimaraes vs Middlesbrough Predictions
Can Middlesbrough Outperform Vitoria de Guimaraes in Pre-Season Showdown?
Key Stats
– Middlesbrough averaged 1.5 goals per game in the Championship last season.
– Vitoria de Guimaraes scored 52 goals in the Primeira Liga.
– Middlesbrough achieved an average of 5 shots on target per game in the Championship.
As Middlesbrough commence their preparations for the upcoming Championship season, they face Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes in a pre-season friendly in Vila Real de Santo Antonio. This match will be a crucial test for both teams as they aim to build fitness and integrate new signings into their squads.
Middlesbrough’s Championship Ambitions
After narrowly missing out on the Championship playoffs last season, Middlesbrough are determined to push for promotion in the 2024-25 campaign. Their eighth-place finish was a respectable achievement, but manager Michael Carrick knows that further improvements are necessary. The team’s base for early preparations is a warm-weather training camp in the Algarve, where they aim to build on last season’s performances.
The addition of Delano Burgzorg, Aidan Morris, and Luke Ayling has bolstered the squad, and Carrick will be keen to see how these new signings integrate. The focus will be on building match fitness and developing a cohesive unit that can challenge for promotion. Middlesbrough’s journey includes a series of warm-up matches, culminating in a friendly against Heerenveen before they kick off their league campaign at home to Swansea City.
Vitoria de Guimaraes’ European Aspirations
Vitoria de Guimaraes narrowly missed out on a Europa League spot last season, finishing just outside the top four in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. Their campaign was marked by consistency, winning more than half of their matches and reaching the semi-finals of the Taca de Portugal. Under the new leadership of Rui Borges, Vitoria are looking to build on these successes and make a strong push in European competitions.
Borges, brought in from Moreirense, aims to lead Vitoria to a successful UEFA Conference League campaign. The team has already begun their pre-season with wins against Trofense and Farense, and the match against Middlesbrough will be another step in their preparation. Borges will be eager to see his new squad in action, particularly after the departure of several key players.
Expected Line-Ups and Tactical Insights
Vitoria de Guimaraes: Varela; Alberto, Fernandes, Borevkovic; Mendes, Handel, Silva, Santos, Cesar; Oliveira, Ramirez
Vitoria are likely to field a balanced side, with a mix of experienced players and new signings. The midfield duo of Handel and Silva will be crucial in maintaining possession and dictating the tempo, while the attacking partnership of Oliveira and Ramirez will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough: Dieng; Ayling, Clarke, Van den Berg, Bangura; Howson, McCabe; Jones, Gilbert, Azaz; Latte Lath
Middlesbrough’s lineup will feature several new signings alongside established players. Ayling and Clarke will provide stability in defence, while Howson and McCabe will be tasked with controlling the midfield. The attacking trio of Jones, Gilbert, and Azaz will look to create scoring opportunities for Latte Lath.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be a critical area, with Vitoria’s Handel and Silva up against Middlesbrough’s Howson and McCabe. Controlling this area will allow either team to dictate the pace of the game and create chances. On the flanks, the duel between Vitoria’s Mendes and Middlesbrough’s Jones promises to be an exciting contest, with both players known for their pace and dribbling skills.
Gameplay Dynamics
Middlesbrough are expected to focus on maintaining possession and building attacks from the back. Their midfield will play a pivotal role in transitioning from defence to attack, aiming to create opportunities for their forwards. Vitoria, on the other hand, will likely adopt a more counter-attacking approach, utilising the pace of their wingers and the physical presence of their strikers.
Tactical Strengths and Weaknesses
Middlesbrough: Middlesbrough’s strength lies in their ability to control possession and create chances through patient build-up play. Players like Jones and Azaz provide creativity, while Latte Lath is a potent goal-scoring threat. However, their defence can be vulnerable to quick counter-attacks, a weakness that Vitoria will look to exploit.
Vitoria de Guimaraes: Vitoria’s primary strength is their solid defensive organisation and ability to hit teams on the break. The midfield duo of Handel and Silva can control the game and provide a platform for their attackers. Nonetheless, their reliance on counter-attacks can leave them susceptible if Middlesbrough manage to dominate possession and press effectively.
Managerial Critique
Michael Carrick, in his first full season in charge of Middlesbrough, has shown promise but faces significant pressure to deliver promotion. His tactical nous will be tested as he integrates new signings and aims to improve consistency. Conversely, Rui Borges, newly appointed at Vitoria, brings fresh ideas but his tenure at Moreirense showed a tendency to struggle against higher-quality opposition. His ability to adapt tactically will be crucial for Vitoria’s success.
Expected Goals Analysis
Middlesbrough’s average of 1.5 goals per game in the Championship highlights their attacking capabilities, but also indicates a need for more clinical finishing. Vitoria’s 1.5 goals per game in the Primeira Liga similarly showcases their offensive strength, though their defensive solidity with just 1.1 goals conceded per game suggests a well-balanced team.
Predictions
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score Given both teams’ attacking potential and the defensive vulnerabilities they have shown, predicting both teams to score seems a strong bet. Middlesbrough’s offensive setup and Vitoria’s counter-attacking prowess suggest that goals will come from both sides.
Correct Score: Vitoria de Guimaraes 2-1 Middlesbrough While Middlesbrough are expected to put up a strong fight, Vitoria’s superior match fitness and home advantage give them the edge. A 2-1 scoreline reflects a competitive game with both teams finding the net.
Goalscorer Prediction: Emmanuel Latte Lath to Score Latte Lath, with his goal-scoring record, is a prime candidate to find the net for Middlesbrough. His physical presence and finishing skills make him a constant threat in the box.
First Team to Score: Vitoria de Guimaraes Vitoria’s quicker adaptation to pre-season conditions and their home advantage suggest they will likely open the scoring. Their ability to exploit defensive weaknesses early on could see them take the lead.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target – Middlesbrough Over 4.5 Middlesbrough’s attacking style and the presence of creative players like Jones and Azaz indicate they will frequently test the Vitoria goalkeeper. Predicting over 4.5 shots on target for Middlesbrough reflects their offensive potential and game strategy.
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