Boavista and Belenenses square off in Primeira Liga on Sunday evening looking to move further away from the relegation zone.

While Boavista sit just one point above the bottom two, Belenenses have failed to win any of their last half-a-dozen fixtures.

Match preview

With Boavista scoring just 28 goals in Portugal's top flight last season, new boss Vasco Seabra has ensured that his side possess a greater threat in the attacking third.

However, despite netting 10 goals from their opening seven fixtures, Os Axadrezados currently have the worst defensive record in the division.

Over half of those 15 strikes came during the first two matches, but their 3-1 defeat away at Farense in their last league outing suggested that Seabra has much work to do over the coming weeks.

Former Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes continues to receive plenty of attention after contributing three goals and two assists from his five appearances this season.

Nevertheless, it is going to take a collective effort for Boavista to make headway up the table, and they can ill-afford to lose out to one of their lower-end rivals.

Belenenses will be relatively content with sitting in 13th position at this stage of the season, particularly having scored just three times.

Four draws have been recorded from their last five fixtures, their only defeat coming away at Benfica, but Petit will acknowledge that they cannot rely too heavily on their backline.

As it stands, they hold the second-best defensive record in the league, a fine achievement when you consider that they conceded the second-most goals during the last campaign.

That said, they have only found the back of the net on one occasion in five outings, a return which must improve if they wish to challenge for a mid-table spot in the future.

Boavista Primeira Liga form: LDLDWL
Boavista form (all competitions): DLDWLW

Belenenses Primeira Liga form: LDDLDD
Belenenses form (all competitions): DDLDDW

Team News

Boavista boss Seabra may use Gomes in a wide position with Paulinho still struggling with an ankle injury.

Adil Rami could earn a return to the middle of the defence, potentially taking the place of Cristian Devenish.

Petit will hope that Bruno Ramires and Goncalo Silva can shake off injuries in time to take their spot in the Belenenses XI.

Having impressed during the club's cup tie against Real SC, Miguel Cardoso is in line for a recall in midfield.

Boavista possible starting lineup:
Jardim; Cannon, Rami, Awaziem, Hamache; Perez, Garcia; Sauer, Santos, Gomes; Elis

Belenenses possible starting lineup:
Kritsyuk; Esgaio, Phete, Ribeiro, Henrique, Lima; Cardoso, Ramires, Taira, Varela; Cassierra

We say: Boavista 1-1 Belenenses

Given the form of the current bottom two, this may be regarded as a must-not-lose rather than a must-win. With that in mind, do not be surprised to see a low-key draw played out as both sides place focus on their performances at the back.

Top betting tip

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