Preview:Nacional vs. Santa Clara - prediction, team news, lineups

Nacional and Santa Clara do battle on Sunday afternoon with both clubs looking to move closer to the top six in Primeira Liga.

However, these two sides suffered defeats in their last outing, leaving them just three points above the relegation zone.

Match preview

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After their promotion from the second tier, Nacional will be delighted to be sitting in seventh position at this stage of the season.

While Luis Freire's side have only won two of their eight matches in Portugal's top flight, four draws have helped them remain away from the drop zone.

However, the Alvinegros head into this encounter on the back of a 1-0 reverse to Portimonense, who had been in last place before matchday eight.

Friere will want to avoid successive defeats for the first time this season, and more is required from an attack which has been heavily reliant on Brayan Riascos and Joao Camacho.

As for Santa Clara, they visit Estadio da Madeira sitting level on points with their next opponents, one place adrift by a solitary goal.

Nevertheless, Daniel Ramos's team have lost four of their last five fixtures, their only win during that period coming at Portimonense.

Although there were signs of improvement during the 1-0 setback at home to Porto last weekend, Ramos will be aware that the club are at risk of being pulled into a relegation battle.

Like with their hosts, goals have been an issue this season with Thiago Santana scoring all but one of their seven strikes in the league.

Nacional Primeira Liga form: DLDDWL Nacional form (all competitions): LDDWWL

Santa Clara Primeira Liga form: DLLWLL Santa Clara form (all competitions): LLWLWL

Team News

Nacional will have to make do without Julio Cesar, who serves a suspension after his dismissal last weekend.

However, Rui Correia and Witi are both pushing for a starting role, with Joao Vitor in contention for a recall in attack.

Shahriar Mohanglou is again expected to miss out for Santa Clara as he continues his recovery from a broken hand.

Crysan is likely to be back among the replacements, while Lincoln is an option in the middle of the pitch.

Nacional possible starting lineup: Guimaraes; Freitas, Henrique, Kal, Vigario; Koziello, Micael, Alhassan; Gorre, Riascos, Camacho

Santa Clara possible starting lineup: Pereira; Ramos, Cardoso, Villanueva, Mansur; Lincoln, Rashid, Costinha; Ukra, Santana, Junior

We say: Nacional 1-1 Santa Clara

Despite their lofty position in the standings, more focus may be on the teams below them. With that in mind, do not be surprised if a low-scoring draw is played out as they each place emphasis on avoiding defeat over pushing for maximum points.

Top betting tip