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

Vizela will be seeking to snap their seven-game winless run when they take a trip to the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota to face Estoril Praia in round 28 of the Primeira Liga on Saturday.

With the spoils being shared in each of the last five meetings between the sides since 2009, both teams will head into the game desperate to finally get one over the other.

Match preview

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Estoril Praia were sent crashing back down to earth two Sundays ago when they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Benfica at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

After Rafa Silva opened the scoring in the 34th minute, Goncalo Ramos doubled As Aguias' lead eight minutes after the interval before Andre Franco grabbed a late consolation in the 93rd minute.

Prior to that, Bruno Pinheiro's side ended their three-game winless run on March 12, when they beat Portimonense 2-0 courtesy of goals in either half from Jordi Mboula and Francisco Geraldes.

Estoril Praia have won eight, drawn 10 and lost nine of their 27 games this season to collect 34 points and sit in seventh place in the Primeira Liga standings.

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Vizela, on the other hand, failed to return to winning ways last time out as they could only salvage a 1-1 draw against Famalicao at the Estadio do FC Vizela.

The Vila Nova appeared headed for all three points thanks to Bruno Rodrigues's 24th-minute strike, but veteran forward Cassiano delivered the goods once again as he scored a last-gasp equaliser in the 91st minute.

Vizela head into the weekend winless in any of their last seven games, claiming four draws and losing three since picking up successive wins over Tondela and Vitoria de Guimaraes back in January.

Their recent defensive frailties have been a major source of concern for manager Alvaro Pacheco as his side have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 straight games, conceding 21 goals since a 2-0 victory over Belenenses on January 2.

With 26 points from 27 games, Vizela are currently 14th in the league standings, five points off Santa Clara in the top half of the table and four above Tondela in the relegation playoff spot.

Team News

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Estoril Praia will once again have to make do with the absence of Brazilian defender Lucas Africo, who has been out of action since last November through a knee problem.

While Rui Fonte made his return from injury against Benfica last time out, Roma loanee Ruben Providence will also play no part in Saturday's game as he battles an ankle problem.

Meanwhile, with his leveller against Famalicao last time out, Cassiano now has seven goal involvements in his last nine games for Vizela, and we expect the 32-year-old forward to lead the attack once again.

On the injury front, Pacheco will be unable to call upon the services of Raphael Guzzo after the 27-year-old midfielder picked up an injury in February's game against Boavista.

While Portuguese defender Ivanildo Fernandes made his return from a three-month injury lay-off against the Vila Nova, the duo of Koffi Kouao and Bruno Wilson remain out of contention after coming off with injuries against Benfica on March 11.

Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:

Figueira; Soria, Ferraresi, Silva, Joaozinho; Gamboa, Geraldes; Gomes, Franco, Mboula; Ruiz

Vizela possible starting lineup:

Silva; Afonso, Anderson, Aidara, Ofori; Claudemir, Rashid, Samu; Bondoso, Moreira, Cassiano

We say: Estoril Praia 1-1 Vizela

Estoril Praia appear to have found their rhythm on home turf, claiming two wins from their last three home games after picking up just one from the previous 10. However, we expect Vizela to fly out of the blocks in search of all three points as they look to end their winless run. We predict the spoils will be shared once again with both sides settling for a point apiece.