Preview: Portimonense vs. Famalicao - prediction, team news, lineups

Two sides in need of a morale-boosting result go head to head when Portimonense play host to Famalicao at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao on Sunday.

With just one point and two places separating the sides in the bottom half of the Primeira Liga standings, this game has all the makings of an absorbing contest.

Match preview

© Reuters

Portimonense were left empty-handed once again as they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against relegation contenders Belenenses last weekend.

In a cagey affair at the Estadio Nacional do Jamor, O Belem turned in a performance of the highest quality as goals in either half from Safira and Pedro Nuno saw them end their five-game winless run.

Portimonense have now lost each of their most recent four outings, while they have failed to taste victory in 14 consecutive league games, stretching back to December's 1-0 win over Moreirense.

After a solid start to the season, where they picked up 11 points from the first 18 available, this slump in form has seen Paulo Sergio's side drop to 12th place in the Primeira Liga standings as they head into the weekend with 29 points from 28 games.

This poor run has been owing to their struggles on home turf, where they have picked up just two wins and currently hold the division's poorest home record with 10 points from 14 games.

© Reuters

Like the hosts, Famalicao continue to struggle for form as they were beaten 2-1 by Boavista at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao last Saturday.

Gustavo Sauer and Petar Musa scored to put Boavista two goals up heading into half time, and after Jhonder Cadiz pulled one back for the hosts in the 48th minute Petit's men held firm to see out the win.

Rui Silva's side have now failed to win any of their last four outings, picking up two draws and losing twice since a 2-1 victory over Tondela on February 26.

With six games to go, Famalicao will head into Sunday's game seeking maximum points as they currently sit just three points above the relegation zone after claiming 28 points from 28 games.

However, standing in their way is an opposing side who are unbeaten in each of the last nine meetings between the teams, claiming seven wins and two draws since a 3-0 loss back in 2015.

Team News

© Reuters

Portimonense will have to cope with the absence of Brazilian midfielder Willyan Rocha, who picked up a first-half red card against Belenenses last weekend.

On the injury front, Sergio will be unable to call upon the services of 22-year-old forward Ricardo Matos, who suffered a muscle problem back in February's game against Santa Clara.

He is joined on the club's injury table by Nigerian midfielder Adewale Sapara, who is set to sit out his fourth consecutive game through injury.

Famalicao, meanwhile, remain without several key players down the spine of the team as the Portuguese duo of Ruben Lima and David Tavares continue their spells on the sidelines through injuries.

Ivan Jamie has been out of action since January, when he came off injured against Arouca, while 22-year-old defender Alex is set to sit out his fourth straight game through injury.

Newly-signed forward Cadiz staked his claim for a starting role with his brilliant cameo against Boavista last weekend and the former Benfica man could be rewarded with his first start of the season.

Portimonense possible starting lineup:

Samuel; Moufi, Possignolo, Pedrao, Relvas; Ewerton, Fernandes, Carlinhos; Nakajima, Angulo, Junior

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Junior; Penetra, Ricceli, Batubinsika; Marin, Pepe, Pikel, Rodrigues; Teixeira, Cadiz; Banza

We say: Portimonense 2-1 Famalicao

With just one point separating the sides in the standings, we anticipate an action-packed affair with both teams going at each other in search of all three points. Portimonense are unbeaten in nine consecutive games against the Vila Nova and we predict they will make use of their home advantage and come away with maximum points.