Preview: Boavista vs. Famalicao - prediction, team news, lineups

Boavista seek a return to winning ways in the Primeira Liga when they welcome Famalicao to Estadio do Bessa on Saturday.

The Porto-based club were beaten 4-1 by Sporting Braga in the league in round six, while the visiting side's unbeaten run stands at three games after last week's 1-0 win over Arouca.

Match preview

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Petit's side began the season undefeated, but they came unstuck last time out at Braga, where a 4-1 hammering ended a five-game run without losing in the league.

That loss was not a reflection of Boavista's level, with the away side tied at 1-1 when Sebastian Perez received a 37th-minute red card following two bookings.

The captain's first-half dismissal caused a drop-off in the performance of Petit's men, evidenced by the concession of three goals in the 37th, 54th and 58th minutes.

The home side have the chance to put that defeat behind them when they host Famalicao this weekend, and their strength at Estadio do Bessa gives them much-needed confidence, having already defeated defending champions Benfica 3-2 this season.

The Panthers are favourites to extend their three-game unbeaten home run (two wins), but they must not expect handouts on Saturday.

Visiting Oporto in round six are a Famalicao side that have battled in every game they have featured this season.

Joao Pedro Sousa's team have scored the joint-fewest goals of any side in the league (five), but they have the division's best defence, letting in three after six games.

With three clean sheets in five, high-scoring Boavista have to break down the competition's stingiest rearguard in round seven's action.

Victory for Sousa's troops would see them leapfrog their fourth-placed opponents in the table, underscoring Fama's bright start in 2023-24.

Results on the road have been mixed for the visitors, who have claimed one victory in three matches played away from Estadio Municipal de Famalicao.

Team News

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Perez is suspended after last week's dismissal against Braga, ruling out the Boavista midfielder for one round.

Cesar Dutra is not expected to feature due to the ACL injury that could keep him out until 2024; Augusto Dabo and Pedro Malheiro, forced off in round five against Chaves, are also unlikely to feature due to injury.

Coincidentally, Famalicao are also without their captain, Riccieli, suspended for this weekend's game at Boavista after picking up a second yellow against Arouca.

Theo Fonseca remains sidelined with an ACL injury, and the winger is undoubtedly out for round seven's fixture.

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Goncalves; Agra, Awaziem, Abascal, Onyemaechi; Vukotic, Reisinho; Lourenco, Makouta, Morais; Bozenik

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Junior; Aguirregabiria, De Haas, Silva, Moura; Youssouf, Lacoux; Rodriguez, Chiquinho, Aranda; Cadiz

We say: Boavista 1-0 Famalicao

Boavista have the division's second-best attack, and that should see them past the rearguard action Famalicao would utilise on Saturday.

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