Vitoria de Guimaraes vs Nacional prediction 02.01.2026 | Liga Portugal

Vitória’s league position feels familiar. Fifth or sixth has been home for most of the last four seasons, and once again they are hovering just outside the European places. Last weekend’s trip to Casa Pia was meant to reset things after defeats to AVS and Sporting. It did not quite land.

Luís Pinto’s side failed to score again, the third blank in five matches, settling for a goalless draw. Still, the Dom Afonso Henriques remains a solid base. The Conquerors have lost just twice at home in the league this season, winning three and drawing three. That consistency keeps expectations alive.

Suspensions complicate selection. Nélson Oliveira serves the second game of his three-match ban following the red against Sporting.

João Mendes is also out after collecting his fifth yellow last time out. Gustavo Silva remains sidelined as well. Fourteen games missed now with a muscle problem, and Friday comes too soon for the winger.

Nacional arrive in a better mood than they did a month ago. That rough spell from late November into early December, which brought three straight defeats, has eased. The White and Blacks beat Tondela 3-1 two weeks ago, then followed it with a 2-2 draw against AVS last weekend.

Supporters might have dreamed of back-to-back wins for the first time since October. Even so, coming from behind after the break to take a point still feels like progress. Away form remains the nagging concern. Nacional have not won on the road in five attempts, drawing three and losing two, and that record travels with them.

There is a small boost on the discipline front. Deivison Deivison returns after serving his one-match ban from the Tondela dismissal. Injuries, however, limit options. Ivanildo Fernandes, Ulisses, and Filipe Soares are all unavailable, each dealing with separate issues.