Porto will get a chance to put some pressure on Benfica for the first time in a few weeks. Playing before their Lisbon rivals will give the Dragoes a chance to put Benfica three points behind them if they are to come away with a win in Guimaraes.
When the Porto manager was questioned about playing before their rivals, he made it clear that his only intention was to win the match and nothing more.
Belgian midfielder Defour has picked up a late injury which will keep him sidelined for a few weeks, which should allow newcomer Izmailov to get the start.
The Russian has done well since his move to Porto having already featured in three matches while scoring one goal for Vitor Pereira's side.
One other debut for Porto could be former Sporting striker Liedson who was not able to feature in their last match due to the delay of some legal documents.
Guimaraes will be seeking revenge after they lost 4-0 against Porto earlier in the season at the Estadio do Dragao. Despite both teams having changed a number of players since that match, Porto still remains favorites to claim the full three points.
Rui Vitoria respects the opposition but he is hoping his side can prove their value on Saturday night.
"A lot of things have changed since our last match against Porto and every match has it's own story line. We have made tremendous changes to our squad as well as our style of play, but we also know that Porto is much better now," said Rui Vitoria.
"We want to take advantage of this match and show the clubs characteristics. Beating Porto would give us an incredible amount of confidence, especially since no one has beaten them yet."
Previous Matches
08-25-12 Porto 4-0 V. Guimaraes
01-22-12 Porto 3-1 V. Guimaraes
08-14-11 V. Guimaraes 0-1 Porto
08-07-11 Porto 2-1 V. Guimaraes (Portuguese Super Cup)
05-22-11 V. Guimaraes 2-6 Porto (Portuguese Cup)
03-05-11 Porto 2-0 V. Guimaraes
Prediction
Guimaraes has yet to lose in 2013, but with Porto coming to town, they will face their toughest test this year. They drew against Gil Vicente, Maritimo and Sporting and added a 1-3 victory away to Rio Ave.
With only two wins at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques, the current Portuguese champions will cause some serious problems for Rui Vitoria's side.
Their last six meetings have all ended in a Porto victory, which makes it extremely difficult to go against the visitors in this match. And, although Guimaraes generally is not an easy place to play, their current transformation within the squad is only now coming into fruition.
They have a number of young players who are all still trying to adapt to each other, and their new style of play. Meanwhile, Porto continues to operate like a well oiled machine year in and year out.
Six of the last seven meetings between these two sides in Guimaraes have been victories for Porto. As if that is not bad enough, Porto has defeated Guimaraes on 38 occasions from all their meetings in Guimaraes across all competitions.
The hosts are going to have to be nearly perfect if they are going to even take a point from Vitor Pereira's side.
With Defour out injured and James Rodriguez still out, Izmailov starting could be more of a headache than Defour would be. The Belgian is a very solid midfielder but Izmailov brings the team more creativity and a more elaborate offensive mind.
If Guimaraes can keep Porto off the score-sheet in the first 45 minutes, they will have a chance, but failure to do that could spell trouble. Allowing Porto to score first will just add to their already high level of confidence after taking the top spot in the Portuguese League last matchday due to goal difference.
V. Guimaraes 1-3 Porto
