Arouca play host to SC Farense on Sunday afternoon looking for the win that will take them clear of the relegation zone.

At a time when the home side sit in 12th position in the Primeira Liga table, Farense are five points away from safety after four successive defeats.

Match preview

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Arouca have spent the entire season picking up the odd win, merely doing enough to keep themselves clear of the bottom three.

However, they have since put together a seven-game unbeaten streak to create some distance between themselves and that aforementioned area, sitting five points clear of 16th place.

Three wins and four draws have been posted during that period, perhaps most notably a 2-2 draw at leaders Sporting Lisbon last time out.

Daniel Ramos's side travelled to the Estadio Jose Alvalade realistically expecting a defeat, yet they twice led before settling for a share of the spoils.

Their away record is the difference maker as it stands, Arouca having collected 12 points from as many matches and put together a four-game unbeaten run on their travels.

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Farense have gone in the opposite direction, giving up an encouraging run of form to find themselves still in trouble.

A streak of one win and three draws has been followed by four successive defeats, Farense conceding eight goals during that period.

Some context is required with Toze's side losing just 3-1 away at Sporting Lisbon and 1-0 at home to fellow Portuguese giants Porto.

That said, Farense have scored only six goals on their travels this campaign, even if it has brought about eight points from their 11 fixtures.

Team News

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With goalkeeper Nico Mantl serving a one-match ban, Joao Valido is in line to start between the sticks for Arouca.

The rest of the side may remain the same unless Dylan Nandin is provided with his first start since joining from Racing Club de Montevideo.

Meanwhile, Farense have two players who are banned for this contest, midfielder Ze Carlos joining Elves Balde who has already served one of his two-match suspension.

Filipe Soares may potentially be selected as the former's replacement, depending how attack-minded Toze wishes to go for this contest.

Tomane may get the nod over Yusupha Njie down the middle of the attack.

Arouca possible starting lineup:
Valido; Esgaio, Lamba, Fontan, Weverson; Fukui, Simao; Trezza, Gozalbez, Sylla; Araujo

SC Farense possible starting lineup:
Velho; Pastor, Moreno, Falcao, Jorge, Victor; Lopes, Menino, Soares, Matias; Tomane

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We say: Arouca 2-1 SC Farense

With what is at stake, this should not be viewed as a certain win for Arouca. Nevertheless, we are backing the home side to come through with the three points, albeit in a close game that may see a late goal.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Darren Plant

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