SC Farense will welcome Boavista to Estadio de Sao Luis on Friday night, as both sides look to steer further away from the relegation playoff spot.
The hosts are 13th in the table and four points off the relegation playoff spot, while the visitors are 10th and two points ahead of the home side.
Match preview
Farense have endured a rollercoaster season following promotion back to the top flight after two seasons in the second division.
After reaching as high as seventh place in January, their form has crumbled, dragging them back into the relegation scrap, with their recent 2-1 defeat to Arouca marking their 14th loss in the Primeira Liga this season.
Since their 3-1 win over Casa Pia in January, Jose Mota's side have not won a single game in nine attempts (lost six, drawn three), leaving them just four points clear of Portimonense, who currently occupy the relegation playoff spot.
Farense desperately need to arrest their slide to secure top-flight survival and will have a chance to do so on Friday against Boavista, a team they have beaten in their last three meetings.
Meanwhile, visitors are also winless in their last two matches, following a goalless draw against Rio Ave last Saturday after a heavy 6-1 defeat to league leaders Sporting Lisbon.
Boavista started the season brightly under manager Petit, who was enjoying his second stint at the club. However, their fortunes took a nosedive from late October onwards, as they embarked on a woeful run of six consecutive losses across all competitions (league, cup, and a friendly) which ultimately led to Petit's dismissal.
Since then, Boavista have been under the guidance of interim manager Jorge Couto and now permanent boss Ricardo Paiva. While there has been a slight improvement in form, they have still struggled to string together consistent results.
The Chequered ones have not managed back-to-back league wins since September (victories over Estoril Praia and Chaves), leaving them in a precarious position, just six points clear of the relegation playoff spot.
To secure their top-flight status for another season, they must improve significantly, starting with a win against Farense. However, their recent away form is concerning, as they have no wins in their last four outings on the road (lost two, drawn two), conceding nine goals while only scoring three.
Team News
Farense will remain without goalkeeper Luiz Felipe, who sustained a tendon injury in February.
Facundo Caseres is also absent after picking up a red card for two bookable offences in the loss to Arouca, leaving Vitor Goncalves with an opportunity to play from the start.
Bruno Duarte and Ze Luis have 11 league goals as a pair and are expected to be the front two once again on Friday.
Cesar remains sidelined for Boavista with an ACL injury that will keep him out until late April.
A front three of Robert Bozenik, Salvador Agra and Bruno Lourenco is expected for this clash.
SC Farense possible starting lineup:
Velho; Delgado, Silva, Rossi, Talys; Matias, Isidoro, Goncalves, Mattheus; Luis, Duarte
Boavista possible starting lineup:
Goncalves; Awaziem, Abascal, Ferreira; Malheiro, Perez, Reisinho, Onyemaechi; Lourenco, Agra, Bozenik
We say: SC Farense 1-1 Boavista
Both Farense and Boavista are winless in recent form, hovering above relegation. Farense's home advantage and historical wins against Boavista could give them the edge. However, Boavista's slight form improvement under a new manager should not be ignored. Expect a close match, possibly a draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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