Seeking to pick up a third victory on the bounce for the first time since September 2021, Estoril Praia play host to Braga at the Antonio Coimbra da Mota in round 10 of the Primeira Liga on Saturday.
Os Arcebispos, meanwhile, head into the weekend unbeaten in each of their last eight encounters with the home side since September 2015 and will be looking to continue in the same vein.
Match preview
© Reuters
Estoril Praia turned in a resilient team performance in the third round of the Taca de Portugal as they fought back from behind to claim a 3-2 victory over a dogged Amora FC side last Friday.
In an action-packed contest at the Municipal Athletic Complex Carla Sacramento, Joao Carvalho, James Lea Siliki and Erison all scored second-half goals to cancel out Pedro Vieira's early opener, before Tiago Duque pulled one back for the hosts in the 90th minute.
The Canarinhos now turn their attention to the Primeira Liga, where they are currently unbeaten in four consecutive games, claiming two draws and two wins, including a 1-0 victory at Gil Vicente in their most recent outing on October 7.
Nelson Verissimo's men have now picked up four wins, three draws and lost two of their nine games so far to collect 15 points and sit seventh in the league standings, level on points with eighth-placed Portimonense.
While Estoril Praia will set out to secure a third straight win for the first time in over a year, their next task pits them against a Braga side who they have failed to defeat in eight consecutive meetings, losing six and claiming two draws since a 2-1 victory in September 2015.
© Reuters
Artur Jorge's side avoided an upset in the Taca de Portugal as they dug deep to pick up a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Felgueiras when the sides squared off at the Estadio Municipal Dr. Machado de Matos last Sunday.
The game sparked into life in the 61st minute when Henrique Martins scored an own goal, but after Daniel Rodrigues immediately restored parity, Paulo Oliveira struck in the 88th minute to hand the visitors a slender win.
This followed a somewhat disappointing 3-3 draw with Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise in Group D of the Europa League, where they are currently second in the table with seven points from a possible 12.
Braga now return to the Primeira Liga, where they are currently on a run of two successive defeats, losing 4-1 against Porto on September 30 — which saw their six-game winning streak come to an end — before falling to a 1-0 loss against Chaves on October 9.
Os Arcebispos have picked up six wins and one draw from their nine league outings so far to collect 19 points and sit third in the standings, six points adrift of first-placed Benfica, who are yet to lose a league game this season.
Team News
© Reuters
Estoril Praia will take to the pitch without Joao Carlos, who has missed the last five matches after coming off injured against Sporting Lisbon on September 2.
With his assist in the game against Gil Vicente on October 7, Tiago Gouveia has three goal involvements in his last three outings and we expect the Benfica loanee to lead the hosts' attack once again.
He should be joined in the final third by summer signing Erison, while 26-year-old midfielder Siliki, who has scored in the last two matches, should retain his role in the centre of the park.
Meanwhile, Sikou Niakate is a doubt for Braga after the French defender missed the cup clash against Felgueiras after coming off injured midway through the game versus Union SG on October 13.
Should he fail to shake off his injury, Oliveira should retain his place at the heart of the defence, pairing Vitor Tormena, who has started each of the nine league games this season.
Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Figueira; Santos, Alvaro, Africo, Joaozinho; Siliki, Ndiaye, Carvalho; Gouveia, Martins; Erison
Braga possible starting lineup:
Lima; Fabiano, Oliveira, Tormena, Sequeira; Medeiros, Al-Musrati, A Horta; Ruiz, Oliveira, R Horta
We say: Estoril Praia 1-1 Braga
Fresh off the back of ending their four-game winless run, Braga will head into the weekend with renewed belief as they look to put together a fine run of form. However, they face a spirited Estoril Praia side who have picked up three wins and two draws in their last five matches across all competitions. We predict that the hosts will do just enough to frustrate Braga and force a share of the spoils on Saturday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Joshua Ojele
