Preview:Estoril Praia vs. Portimonense - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams who could really do with a victory face off in matchday 28 of the 2022-23 Primeira Liga campaign on Saturday when Estoril Praia welcome Portimonense to the Stadium António Coimbra da Mota.

Seven defeats in eight matches since mid-February is the current state of things for the hosts, while the visitors have won just once across all competitions in that time.

Match preview

Estoril were on the receiving end of an emphatic 4-1 defeat against Sporting Braga when the sides faced off at Estadio Municipal de Braga on Saturday.

Ricardo Soares's men fell behind to Abel Ruiz's opener but managed to drew level through Carlos Eduardo, after which second-half goals from Pizzi, Iuri Medeiros and Joe Mendes decided the clash.

Consequently, the Canaries remain 15th in the Primeira Liga table, six points clear of relegation danger heading into the final seven games of the campaign.

Lying in store next is the task of facing off against an opposing outfit who are without a win in the most recent seven clashes between the teams dating back to 2011.

Having ended a three-game losing streak on home turf in their last home outing, Saturday's hosts go in search of consecutive victories in front of their fans for the first time since July.

Portimonense snapped a run of five straight defeats last time out courtesy of a 2-2 draw against Rio Ave at Estadio Municipal de Portimao on Saturday.

Paulo Sergio's men found themselves two down heading into the final 15 minutes following strikes from Patrick William and Costinha, before Welinton Junior's late double forced a share of the spoils.

Picking up 27 points from as many matches to date, the Alvinegros sit 14th in the standings, one place and two points clear of their next opponents.

Off the back of eight away defeats on the bounce - seven of which they have failed to score in - Saturday's visitors now prepare for what is set to be another tough assignment on enemy territory.

Team News

Lucas Africo remains without an appearance since December due to a knee problem, and the Estoril man is not expected to play any part on Saturday.

Carlos Eduardo will be looking to pick up where he left off after recently opening his account for the hosts at the sixth time of asking last time out.

Welinton Junior's brace against Rio Ave saw him move up to six league goals for the campaign, just one shy of his personal best of seven strikes.

Lucas Ventura was suspended for his side's last outing, but the 24-year-old is now eligible to feature once again and will push for a place in the starting XI.

Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:

Nakamura; Seck, Relvas, Park, Pedrao, Moufi; Klismahn, Diaby, Lucas; Gonzalez, Junior

Portimonense possible starting lineup:

Leite; Araujo, Alvaro, Vital, Delos; Geraldes, Ndiaye, Marques; Gouveia, Marques, Eduardo

We say: Estoril Praia 1-0 Portimonense

Both teams have struggled for goals this season, so a low-scoring affair is on the cards here. Having said that, we just about fancy the hosts to secure all three points come the sound of the final whistle.

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