In search of their first win in nine league outings, Vizela play host to Estoril Praia at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota in round 12 of the Primeira Liga on Saturday.
The visitors have enjoyed a solid start in the Portuguese top flight and will be looking to keep the ball rolling and strengthen their position in the upper echelons of the table.
Match preview
Vizela continue to drop points in the Primeira Liga as they were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Famalicao last Sunday.
Following an uneventful first half, it was late drama at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao as Guilherme Schettine put the visitors ahead with eight minutes left on the clock before Dylan Batubinsika restored parity in the eighth minute of injury time.
Alvaro Pacheco's side have now failed to taste victory in any of their most recent eight league outings, picking up six draws and losing twice since a 2-1 win over Tondela when the sides squared off on August 14.
However, in that time the Vizelenses booked their place in the fourth round of the Taca de Portugal as they secured a 2-0 win over Vitoria de Setubal courtesy of first-half strikes from Alex Mendez and Schettine.
With nine points from 10 outings, Vizela are currently 12th in the Primeira Liga standings and this has been owing to a lack of firepower in attack, where they have scored just eight goals so far, and their defensive frailties as they have shipped 15 so far.
Meanwhile, Estoril Praia continued their fine string of performances as they came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against a rampant Benfica side last time out.
In an action-packed contest at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota, Benfica appeared headed for a routine victory after Lucas Verissimo put them ahead just two minutes in, but Rosier Loreintz came up trumps for the hosts as he restored parity in the 90th minute.
Prior to that, Bruno Pinheiro's men ended their three-game winless run courtesy of a 1-0 win over Felgueiras in the third round of the Taca de Portugal before seeing off Portimonense 2-0 at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao.
Having secured promotion into the top flight last season, Estoril Praia have enjoyed a fine start to the season as they find themselves in fifth place after picking up 19 points from their opening 10 outings.
This has been down to their impressive performances on the road, where they boast the division's second-best record with 13 points and three goals conceded in five games.
While the Canarinhos will be looking to keep the juggernaut rolling, they face the stern test of taking on an opposing side who they have failed to defeat in any of their most recent five encounters, stretching back to a 1-0 defeat back in December 2008.
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Team News
Kevin Zohi is set to sit out his fourth straight game after the Malian midfielder picked up a muscle problem inside the opening 23 minutes against Santa Clara back in October.
Pacheco will also be unable to call upon the services of Portuguese goalkeeper Pedro Silva, who continues his journey to full fitness after sustaining an injury against Casa Pia.
Veteran forward Cassiano also misses out after coming off with an injury in the Taca de Portugal game versus Vitoria de Setubal a little under one month ago.
Estoril Praia, on the other hand, head into the game with no concerns on the injury front meaning Pinheiro once again has the luxury of a full strength squad this weekend.
With his assist against Benfica last time out, Andre Franco now has seven goal involvements to his name this season and the 23-year-old midfielder will be crucial for the visitors in this one.
Vizela possible starting lineup:
Junior; Figueiras, Riccieli, Penetra, Marin; Pickel, Pepe; Jaime, Paulo, Tavares; Marques
Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Figueira; Soria, Patrick, Africo, Joaozinho; Geraldes, Gamboa, Franco; Gomes, Lourenco, Fonte
We say: Vizela 1-1 Estoril Praia
Estoril Praia have proven to be a force on the road this season so far, picking up 13 points from five outings — with only Benfica boasting a better record. While Vizela are winless in their last eight games, they have proven to be a tough nut to crack, claiming six draws in that time. We anticipate the spoils will be shared in this one with both sides getting one goal apiece.
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