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Two sides eager to end their respective struggles for different reasons meet on Saturday as Gil Vicente host Santa Clara in Primeira Liga gameweek 26.
The Roosters are looking to halt a six-match winless run in the league as they fight to pull away from the danger zone, while the visitors seek to revive their European ambitions by securing their first victory in five matches.
We say: Gil Vicente 1-1 Santa Clara
Santa’s recent woes, particularly against relegation-threatened sides, offer little reason for optimism, and with both sides struggling for goals – Gil failing to score in five of their last seven matches – a low-scoring stalemate appears the most probable outcome.
> Primeira Liga preview: Gil Vicente vs Santa Clara
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After getting back on track with a crucial victory last time out, Braga will aim to make it two wins on the bounce when they visit SC Farense for matchweek 26 of the Primeira Liga this weekend.
The Archbishops head into this encounter having snapped a two-match losing run across the Taca de Portugal and the league with a hard-fought 1-0 home triumph against Porto last Saturday.
We say: SC Farense 0-2 Braga
While Braga have stumbled in recent away outings, their strong overall away form this season suggests they have what it takes to overcome a struggling Farense side and claim a second straight win in their push for a top-three finish.
> Primeira Liga preview: Farense vs Braga
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Porto will be determined to bounce back from last weekend’s setback when they welcome AVS for round 26 of the Primeira Liga this Saturday.
The Dragons head into this encounter following a 1-0 defeat at Braga, a result that has placed their top-three position under serious threat.
We say: Porto 2-0 AVS
While Porto’s inconsistency has been evident, with their struggles to turn draws into wins at home compounding their woes, they should still have enough to overcome an AVS side that has also struggled on their travels.
> Primeira Liga preview: Porto vs AVS
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Sporting Lisbon will aim to extend their lead at the top of the Primeira Liga standings when they welcome Famalicao on Saturday for round 26.
The Lions have won their last two matches in the top flight, taking their tally to 59 points, three ahead of second-placed Benfica, who have a game in hand.
We say: Sporting Lisbon 1-0 Famalicao
While Famalicao have been resilient at the back in recent weeks, Sporting’s resurgence and attacking firepower — boasting a league-high 67 goals — gives them a strong chance of claiming victory, though they may have to grind it out.
> Primeira Liga preview: Sporting Lisbon vs Famalicao
