Preview: Pacos de Ferreira vs. Boavista - prediction, team news, lineups

Two mid-table sides in the Portuguese Primeira Liga go head to head on Friday when Pacos de Ferreira play host to Boavista at the Estadio Capital do Movel.

The hosts will be desperate to finally get one over Os Axadrezado having failed to taste victory in any of the last nine meetings between the sides since 2016.

Match preview

© Reuters

Pacos de Ferreira failed to return to winning ways on Sunday as they were held to an uneventful goalless draw by 10-man Famalicao at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao.

In a game where clear-cut chances were at a premium, Os Castores failed to make use of their numerical advantage as they failed to mount any serious threat to the Vila Nova defence all game.

Prior to that, Pacos de Ferreira were denied a third consecutive league win when they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Benfica courtesy of goals in either half from Joao Mario and Alejandro Grimaldo.

Friday's hosts have now managed just two wins from their last 12 games in all competitions, losing six and picking up two draws, while they have failed to find the back of the net in their most recent two outings.

The lack of firepower up top has been a major cause for concern for manager Cesar Peixoto as his side boasts the league's second-poorest attacking record with just 13 goals scored in 18 outings so far.

While Pacos de Ferreira will look to end this dry spell, next up is the daunting task of squaring off against an opposing side who they have failed to defeat in each of the last nine encounters between the teams, claiming three draws and losing six, including each of the last three.

© Reuters

Meanwhile, Boavista were involved in a share of the spoils once again as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a rejuvenated Gil Vicente side last time out.

In a cagey affair at the Estadio do Bessa, Gaius Makouta put the hosts ahead within the opening four minutes, but Brazilian forward Samuel Lino grabbed his sixth goal of the season in the 67th minute to force a share of the spoils.

This was a third consecutive 1-1 draw for Petit's side, who last tasted victory when they saw off Moreirense 1-0 on December 19 courtesy of Yanis Hamache's 34th-minute strike.

While they head into Friday's game unbeaten in their most recent four league games, it is worth noting that Boavista have managed just one win in their last 15 games, picking up nine draws and losing five in that time.

With 18 points from 18 games, the Os Axadrezados are currently 10th in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with Friday's hosts, who are one place below them due to their superior goal difference.

Team News

© Reuters

Pacos de Ferreira will take to the pitch without the services of Portuguese defender Joao Vigario, who picked up a severe knee problem back in August.

He is joined on the club's injury table by fellow countryman Jorge Silva, who is set to miss his fourth consecutive game after coming off with an injury against Tondela back in December.

Denilson, who is currently Os Castores' top scorer this term with five goals, is now available for selection after serving his suspension for receiving his marching orders against Benfica two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Gambian international Yusupha Nije is out of contention for the visitors as the 28-year-old is currently at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Other than that, there should be no absentees for Boavista as they boast a clean bill of health, giving Petit the luxury of a full squad once again.

Makouta opened his account for the season with his strike against Gil Vicente last time out and we expect the 24-year-old to handle business at the heart of the park.

Pacos de Ferreira possible starting lineup:

Ferreira; Antunes, Maracas, Lima, Delgado; Carlos, Eustaquio; Silva, Uilton, Santos; Denilson

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Bracali; Cannon, Santos, Abascal; Santos, Hamache, Makouta, Perez, Gorre; Musa, Sauer, Ntep

We say: Pacos de Ferreira 0-1 Boavista

With both sides level on points in the table, we expect them to take the game to each other in search of all three points and this makes for an exciting affair. However, Boavista have clearly been superior in their most recent encounters and we are backing them to extend their dominance and come away with all three points.