The 2019/20 UEFA Europa League has reached the second leg of the third qualifying round as teams bid to reach the group stages. There is just one more round remaining before the group draw and Vitória Guimarães will fancy their chances of being in the hat.
The Portuguese club host FK Ventspils in the second leg of their third round tie on Wednesday 14th August. The game will be played at the Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques and the home crowd will be expecting to see a good win. The first leg ended 3-0 in favour of Vitória Guimarães and that suggests this second leg should be little more than a formality.
It took half an hour for Vitória Guimarães to make the breakthrough in the first leg and they added a second just 5 minutes after half-time. The third goal came with 10 minutes remaining on the clock and that result puts Vitória Guimarães in a very strong position.
They have yet to begin their domestic league campaign in Portugal this season so Vitória Guimarães’ only competitive action has come in cup competitions. They have played three games in the Europa League, winning each of them. In addition to the win in the first leg of this tie, they defeated Jeunesse d’Esch 1-0 away and 4-0 at home.
Vitória Guimarães have also played one game in the Taca da Liga which resulted in a 1-0 win over Feirense away from home.
Trends show Vitória Guimarães are undefeated in their last four home Europa League matches, winning two and drawing two.
FK Ventspils have a lot of work to do if they are going to turn this tie around. However, it was their first defeat in five games and even if they cannot progress in the tournament, they will be hoping to get back to winning ways.
In their previous away Europa League match, FK Ventspils picked up a 2-2 draw at Gzira United and that was good enough to see them go through 6-2 on aggregate following a strong home performance. However, trends show they have won just one of their last six away games in all competitions and have failed to win any of their last six away in the Europa League.
FK Ventspils have lost four of their last six away from home in the Europa League and conceded two or more goals in the same number of matches.
Team news and Vitória Guimarães will be without Abdul-Aziz Yakubu who has a long term knee injury. Henry Medarious, Ola John and Andre are doubtful.
FK Ventspils could start with two players up-front as they look for the goals they need to turn the tie around. That could mean a place in the team for Mikhail Sergiychuk alongside Kaspars Svarups in attack.
There is little doubt who the favourites are to win this game following the first leg. However, having a 3-0 advantage means Vitória Guimarães do not have to push themselves and we could see a win to nil but not a huge number of goals.