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Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes visit Fratton Park on Thursday to take on Portsmouth in a first round UEFA Cup tie. Catch all the action live by subscribing to the Live Sport Network’s live football streams.

 

 

Portsmouth qualified for the UEFA Cup by winning the 2007-08 FA Cup. This is the first time that the club are playing European football, and they will enter the competition in a buoyant mood after Jermain Defoe’s brace saw them beat Middlesbrough in their weekend Premiership fixture. Boro took the lead through Mido as Redknapp’s 3-5-2 formation struggled, but once the 3-5-2 switched to a 4-4-2, with John Utaka and Nadir Belhadj coming on for Papa Bouba Diop and Younes Kaboul respectively, Pompey took control of the game, and never looked like losing. The form of Lassana Diarra would have pleased Redknapp too, for the French midfielder had an outstanding game. And the South Coast faithful are excited- 3/4^th of their season ticket holders have taken up their allocation for this game.

Vitoria Guimaraes finished third in the BWINLIGA last season, two points behind Sporting CP, and one ahead of giants Benfica. Guimaraes were robbed of a place in the Champions League, when Roberto’s 87^th minute goal against Basel in the third qualifying round was wrongfully ruled as offside by the assistant referee. They currently have a win and a draw from their two league encounters- drawing with Setubal at home and beating Maritimo away. The goal against Maritimo was scored by Roberto.Vitoria will be weakened by the absence of two key players- star striker Marquinho is injured, and defensive midfielder Flavio is suspended. Flavio is also their skipper, and that is a big blow for Manuel Cajuda’s side.

 

 

Vitoria have nothing to lose after coming so close to qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League. Successive wins over Everton and Boro have boosted Pompey’s confidence after losses to Chelsea and Manchester United. Ensure you have your date with the match fixed - subscribe to our streams today for Portsmouth vs Vitoria Live!