Two sides level on points in the bottom half of the Portuguese Primeira Liga table go head to head on Sunday as Estoril Praia play host to Estrela Amadora.
After a turbulent campaign, both sides find themselves in the relegation picture and we anticipate a thrilling contest at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota this weekend.
Match preview
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Estoril Praia failed to pull clear of the danger zone last Wednesday as they could only salvage a 1-1 draw with Rio Ave when the sides met in a bottom-half clash at the Estadio dos Arcos.
In an action-packed contest, Portuguese forward Heriberto Tavares came up clutch for the visitors as he struck in the 85th minute to cancel out Emmanuel Boateng's opening goal and force a share of the spoils.
Prior to that, Vasco Seabra's men suffered a penalty-shootout defeat at the hands of Braga in the final of the Taca da Liga last Saturday after a 1-1 draw in normal time at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa.
With their midweek result, Estoril have now gone four Primeira Liga matches on the bounce without a win, losing three and claiming one draw since the turn of the year.
The Canarinhos' sloppy start to the year has been owing to their recent defensive vulnerability as they have shipped 11 goals in their last four matches, having kept four clean sheets and conceded four in the six matches preceding that run.
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Elsewhere, Estrela Anadora were left empty handed once again as they fell to a 4-1 thrashing against title-chasing Benfica at the Estadio Jose Gomes on Monday.
In a game where Regis N'Do received his marching orders, Arthur Cabral, Rafa Silva, Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Leonardo all found the back of the net to cancel out Leo Jaba's 28th-minute opener and hand the visitors their 15th league win of the season.
The Tricolours have now suffered consecutive league defeats for the first time since the turn of the year and have failed to win their last six outings, losing three and picking up three draws since a 3-1 victory against Boavista on December 10.
With 18 points from 19 matches, Sergio Vieira's men are currently 15th in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with this weekend's hosts and just one point above 16th-placed Rio Ave in the relegation playoff spot.
While Estrela will be looking to return to winning ways, they have struggled for results on the road, where they are without a win in their last six away matches, claiming three draws and losing three, including a 2-1 defeat against Vizela on November 24 which saw their Taca de Portugal campaign come to an end.
Team News
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Estoril will take to the pitch without the services of experienced defender Erick Cabaco, who has been out of action since last September through a severe muscle injury.
Braga loanee Rodrigo Gomes will also play no part in Sunday's clash due to a one-game suspension after crossing the yellow card threshold with his booking against Rio Ave last weekend.
Meanwhile, Estrela will have to cope without former Real Betis forward N'Do, who is currently suspended after receiving his marching orders against Benfica last time out.
In his absence, 25-year-old Kikas, who has three goals in seven league starts this season, should come into the fold, forming the front three with Ronaldo Tavares and Jaba.
Manuel Keliano and 26-year-old defender Kialonda Gaspar are both on international duty with the Angola national team at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations and are also out of contention for Estrela.
Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Carne; Parra, Volnei, Vital; Pina, Fernandes, Holsgrove, Araujo; Guitane, A Marques, J Marques
Estrela Amadora possible starting lineup:
Brigido; Otieno, Mendes, Mansur; Felipe, Cordeiro, Souza, Reis; Kikas, Tavares, Jaba
We say: Estoril Praia 2-1 Estrela Amadora
Given the stakes of the game, we anticipate a thrilling contest between the two sides who will be looking to avoid falling into the relegation dogfight. While they are evenly matched on paper, home advantage gives Estoril a slight edge and we fancy the them to claim all three points, albeit by the odd goal.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joshua Ojele
