Preview: Casa Pia vs Nacional - prediction, team news, lineups

Two sides aiming to respond to heavy defeats will clash on Saturday as Casa Pia host Nacional at Estadio Pina Manique in round four of the Primeira Liga.

Both shipped four goals last weekend, with the Geese drawing a blank at Porto, while the White-and-Black saw their early lead wiped away as Sporting Lisbon ran riot.

Match preview

Last Sunday’s 4-0 reverse at Estadio do Dragao further underlined Casa Pia’s patchy form, with two defeats from their opening three outings laying bare their inconsistency.

Their sole victory so far was a 2-0 success at AVS, sandwiched between those setbacks against two of the early pace-setters with perfect starts – a tough schedule that offers Joao Pereira some measure of mitigation.

However, Pereira has a recurring issue to address, with his side repeatedly undone by goals before half-time — conceding in the opening period against reigning champions Sporting and then shipping three in the first 45 minutes at Porto.

Their only victory this campaign came after taking a first-half lead, so Casa Pia prepare for this weekend knowing a quick start could once again prove decisive, particularly given that recent meetings in this fixture have often been settled by whichever side seizes the early initiative.

The Geese edged last season’s corresponding clash 1-0 through Ruben Kluivert’s 39th-minute strike, but Nacional returned the favour in the reverse fixture, as Daniel Penha’s effort on the stroke of half time laid the platform for a 3-1 win.

Tiago Margarido’s men also struck first last weekend through Leo Santos, but that advantage counted for little after Pablo Ruan’s dismissal left them exposed, and Sporting ruthlessly struck four times after the break.

That red card was the second in as many games for the Alvinegros, with Ulisses Wilson also having been sent off in the draw at Rio Ave, a discipline issue that Margarido will surely address after being punished last time out.

Meanwhile, the 1-1 stalemate at Estadio dos Arcos remains Nacional’s only point this season, extending their winless run in the Primeira Liga to eight matches dating back to last term.

Casa Pia Primeira Liga form:

Casa Pia form (all competitions):

Nacional Primeira Liga form:

Nacional form (all competitions):

Team News

After conceding four last time out, Pereira may reshuffle his backline, with Andre Geraldes and Kaique Rocha pushing for opportunities in defence.

Ricardo Batista remains sidelined through injury, while Yassin Oukili faces a late fitness test to determine his availability.

Teenager Renato Nhaga impressed at the Dragão last weekend and will hope to retain his place in midfield.

For Nacional, Ruan is suspended after his dismissal, though Ulisses returns from his one-match ban, offering some relief to Margarido’s options.

The visitors remain stretched by injuries, with Ivanildo Fernandes, Douglas Nathan, Motez Nourani, Miguel Baeza, Deivison and Lucas Joao all unavailable for selection, while Witi is expected to deputise out wide.

Casa Pia possible starting lineup:

Sequeira; Tchamba, Goulart, Fonte; Benaissa-Yahia, Nhaga, Mohamed, Larrazabal; Livolant, Cassiano, Osundina

Nacional possible starting lineup:

Franca; Gomes, Vitor, Ulisses, Aurelio; Liziero, Dias, Soares; Boia, Ramirez, Witi

We say: Casa Pia 1-0 Nacional

With a victory already on the board and home advantage in their favour, Casa Pia should fancy their chances of edging this one, much like they managed in last season’s equivalent encounter.

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