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

Tenth hosts ninth in the Primeira Liga on Friday evening as Pacos de Ferreira entertain Famalicao.

Both sides head into this league encounter having convincingly won their respective ties in the Taca de Portugal last weekend.

Match preview

Pacos de Ferreira were due to travel to Moreirense on November 6, however the home side had a significant number of coronavirus cases which resulted in the match being postponed.

This means that the Beavers have not played a league match since their impressive 3-2 victory over reigning champions Porto at the end of October.

They did however return to action on Sunday, cruising to a 4-0 away victory over second-tier side UD Oliveirense.

Pacos, who currently sit in 10th place in the Primeira Liga, have the chance to win three home matches in a row for the first time since May 2019 when they were in the second division.

Victory for the Beavers could see them climb to fifth in the league table and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to five matches.

Famalicao continue to look vulnerable defensively having conceded 14 goals from their opening seven matches in the Primeira Liga, only Boavista have conceded more with 15.

They did however secure a 2-1 home victory over Maritimo three weeks ago before comfortably defeating third division side Oriental 3-0 on Sunday.

Famalicao lost 2-1 in their last outing away at Pacos de Ferreira in February although they did beat the Beavers 4-2 in their own backyard five months earlier.

Joao Pedro Sousa is hoping that his side can build momentum and win back-to-back matches for the first time this campaign, which would cement their place in the top half of the table.

Famalicao could move as high as fifth in the Primeira Liga with a victory on Friday, two points behind Braga in second place.

Pacos de Ferreira Primeira Liga form: DLLWDW Pacos de Ferreira form (all competitions): LLWDWW

Famalicao Primeira Liga form: WDDDLW Famalicao form (all competitions): DDDLWW

Team News

Pacos de Ferreira boss Pepa could name the same starting lineup that beat Porto last month.

Israeli striker Dor Jan, who scored in the win against Porto, could keep his starting place up front ahead of Douglas Tanque.

Famalicao centre-back Riccieli is suspended after a straight red card against Braga earlier this month, therefore Diogo Queiros is likely to play alongside Srdjan Babic in defence.

Goalkeeper Vana, who has started the previous two league matches, is set to keep the number one jersey ahead of Ivan Zlobin.

Pacos de Ferreira possible starting lineup: Jordi; Fonseca, Marcelo, Baixinho, Reabciuk; Eustaquio; Ferreira, Carlos, Costa, Singh; Jan

Famalicao possible starting lineup: Vana; Willian, Queiros, Babic, Dias; Pereyra, Assuncao, Jordao; Lameiras, Sousa, Valenzuela

We say: Pacos de Ferreira 2-1 Famalicao

Both sides come into the game off the back of league and cup wins in recent weeks and hope to keep their momentum going. The visitors, who have yet to keep a clean sheet in the Primeira Liga, come up against a Pacos de Ferreira side who have scored 10 goals in their last four matches. Famalicao's defensive frailties could help the home side take away all three points on Friday.

Top betting tip

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