Famalicao host Vizela at Estadio Municipal de Famalicao on Saturday afternoon, with the visitors hoping for a result that will help their survival.
The hosts are coming into this match after ending their four-game winless run last time out, while the visitors have lost their last two games.
Match preview
Famalicao ended their four-match winless run with a 2-1 victory over Gil Vicente last Friday at Estadio Cidade de Barcelos.
Jhonder Cadiz's first-half penalty and Chiquinho's second-half strike gave them a comfortable lead before conceding a late consolation goal but they held on for the win.
Famalicao have only won three of their last 11 games (L4, D4), leaving them in eighth place, eight points clear of the relegation zone, having played a game less.
Joao Pedro Sousa's men will hope to achieve consecutive wins for the first time this season when they host Vizela on Saturday. This fixture has often produced draws in the top-flight, with four out of five meetings ending in stalemates and Famalicao winning one.
Vizela come into this match on the back of two demoralising defeats, conceding eight goals in their last two outings while only scoring once, leaving them in the relegation zone and needing points to escape the drop.
A 4-0 loss to Casa Pia last time out followed the 4-1 defeat to Porto at Estadio Do Dragao before the break, as they are now two points behind Portimonense in the relegation playoff spot and five points from outright safety.
Since replacing Pablo Villar in December, manager Ruben de la Barrera's record has been mixed (W2, D4, L7) in his first 13 league games.
As they head back on the road this weekend, Vizela's away form will be a particular concern for them. They have lost two and drawn one of their last three away matches, conceding ten goals and scoring only twice.
With seven games remaining, Vizela desperately need a turnaround to secure their top-flight status and De la Barrera will be hoping to put together a string of positive results starting from this weekend.
Team News
Famalicao might be unable to call upon the services of Portuguese forward Henrique Araujo, who has missed the Vila Nova's last three outings since picking up an injury against Boavista on March 4 and will have to pass a fitness test.
Sousa will likely stick to the back four he reverted to for the win over Gil Vicente, fielding Francisco Moura, Riccieli and Justin De Haas and Nathan Santos.
Cadiz should lead the line once more, with Gustavo Sa providing support behind the striker.
Vizela have no players currently injured or suspended, leaving De la Barrera with a wealth of options for this clash.
The front three of Samuel Essende, Jason Eyenga-Lokilo and Matheus Pereira should retain their spots from the last match.
Famalicao possible starting lineup:
Junior; Moura, Riccieli, De Haas, Santos; Youssouf, Topic; Chiquinho, Sa, Sorriso; Cadiz
Vizela possible starting lineup:
Buntic; Silva, Goncalves, Escoval, Lebedenko; Samu, Ortiz, Nascimento; Pereira, Essende, Lokilo
We say: Famalicao 1-0 Vizela
Famalicao's home advantage and recent win bode well against struggling Vizela. However, their inconsistency and Vizela's fight for survival could make it close. We expect a slender win for Famalicao in the end.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
body check tags ::
Previews by email
