Still searching for their first win in 2025, struggling Moreirense welcome Casa Pia to Parque Moreira for round 22 of the Primera Liga.
The hosts are enduring a torrid run, winless in their last eight league matches and nine across all competitions, while the visitors have won three of their previous four encounters.
Match preview
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Moreirense's campaign has taken a sharp downturn, with their last victory coming as far back as mid-December, when they stunned league leaders Sporting Lisbon 2-1.
Since then, Cesar Peixoto's side have managed just three draws while suffering five defeats in the Primera Liga, losing each of the last three — a streak split into equal halves by a Taca de Portugal elimination at the hands of Gil Vicente.
The latest setback in what has been a dreadful spell came last weekend when they fell 3-2 against Benfica, leaving the Green and Whites 11th in the top-flight standings on 23 points, six clear of the relegation playoff spot.
Desperate to put an end to their winless run, Moreirense will be aiming for their first home victory against Casa Pia, having suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat in the only previous such encounter.
Their recent struggles have been particularly evident at Parque Moreira, where four of their games during this winless stretch have come, a stark contrast to their prior dominance when they had recorded victories in three consecutive league matches and four in all competitions at the ground.
Moreirense have taken 16 points from a possible 30 on home soil, scoring 12 times and conceding 11, leaving them 11th in the home league table.
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Casa Pia, on the other hand, responded to their setback against Santa Clara with a 1-0 victory over Estrela Amadora last weekend, courtesy of Cassiano Dias Moreira's decisive strike in the 36th minute.
That result marked the Geese's sixth win in eight league outings, bringing their tally to 33 points and elevating them to sixth in the standings.
Despite losing their most recent away fixture, Casa Pia have been impressive on the road in recent times, with that defeat being the only blemish in their last four trips, where they have claimed nine points.
This marks a significant improvement from their previous six away matches, where Joao Pereira's side managed just five points from one victory and two stalemates.
Casa Pia have secured four wins, two draws and four losses on their travels, collecting 14 points from a possible 30, making them the sixth-best away side in the division, and they will be hoping to capitalise on that strength when they visit Moreirense on Saturday.
Victory here would also see Os Gansos complete their first-ever league double in this fixture, having claimed a 3-1 triumph in the reverse meeting back in September 2024.
Team News
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Moreirense remain without long-term absentees Guilherme Liberato and Hernani Infande as both continue their recovery from injury.
Marcelo is also ruled out due to suspension after picking up a booking in the defeat to Benfica, paving the way for Michel to potentially step in.
Casa Pia, meanwhile, have no fresh injury concerns following their win over Estrela, with Claudio Mendes and Kiki the expected absentees on Sunday.
Pereira could stick with the same starting XI, with the familiar attacking trio of Jeremy Livolant, Cassiano and Nuno Moreira leading the line once again.
Moreirense possible starting lineup:
Kewin; Pinto, Michel, Maracas, Frimpong; Ofori, Ismael; Alanzinho, Antonisse, Benny; Schettine
Casa Pia possible starting lineup:
Sequeira; Kluivert, Fonte, Goulart; Larrazabal, Brito, Sousa, Lelo; Livolant, Cassiano, Moreira
We say: Moreirense 0-1 Casa Pia
Moreirense have struggled in attack, failing to find the net in five of their last nine matches across all competitions, which could make it difficult for them to take anything from this game.
While the hosts may look to stay compact and grind out a result, their shaky defence could be exposed by Casa Pia's firepower, making an away win the likely outcome.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
