In arguably their biggest game of the season, rock-bottom Vizela play host to Rio Ave at the Estadio do FC Vizela as they look to snap their losing streak and reignite their late push for survival.
Eight points are between the Vizelenses and safety heading into the final four games of the campaign and failure to win here could bring their three-year stint in the top flight to an end.
Match preview
© Reuters
With just four games left to go, Vizela are running out of time to salvage their season as they find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table in what has been a truly forgettable campaign.
Vizela have lost 17 of their 30 matches so far while claiming nine draws and just four wins to collect 21 points, eight points fewer than Estrela Amadora just outside the relegation zone.
The Vizelenses' underwhelming campaign has been owing to their struggles at the defensive end of the pitch, where they have conceded a staggering 62 goals — only Portimonense (64) have shipped more goals this season.
Their defensive vulnerabilities were once again highlighted last weekend as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Braga when the sides squared off at the Estadio Braga Municipal.
Following a goalless first half, Samuel Essende struck in the 50th minute to put Vizela in front but Rodrigo Zalazar restored parity three minutes later before the Uruguayan midfielder completed the comeback with an 85th-minute effort.
With last weekend's defeat, Ruben de la Barrera's men have now lost each of their last five outings, conceding 14 goals and scoring four since scraping a 2-1 victory over Farense on March 9.
© Reuters
Rio Ave, on the other hand, were involved in a share of the spoils once again as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Arouca when the sides squared off at the Estadio dos Arcos last Friday.
Joca Fernandes continued his fine form in front of goal as he broke the deadlock in the 36th minute to put the hosts in front, but Rafa Mujica netted two minutes after the half-time break to force a share of the spoils.
Rio Ave have now gone eight consecutive games without defeat, picking up seven draws with their only win in that time coming on April 8 when they thrashed Gil Vicente 3-0 courtesy of goals from Joao Teixeira, Abdul-Aziz Yakubu and Fernandes.
With 31 points from 30 matches, the Vilacondenses are currently 11th in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with Farense and Gil Vicente, but could move into ninth place with all three points this weekend.
However, Luis Freire's side head into the weekend as they are the only side yet to taste victory away from home in the league this season, losing six and claiming nine draws in their 15 matches so far.
Team News
© Reuters
Essende has been Vizela's shining light in what has been a miserable campaign and the French striker, who netted his 14th league goal against Braga last time out, will be one to keep an eye on.
On the injury front, the Vizelenses remain without the services of experienced midfielder Bruno Costa, who has missed each of the last three matches after coming off injured against Casa Pia on March 31.
Serbian striker Sava Petrov missed the game against Braga last time out through a slight injury and the 25-year-old is also a major doubt for Saturday's game.
Amine Oudrhiri picked up a severe knee injury in the game against Boavista back in March and the Moroccan forward is out of contention for Rio Ave.
Andre Perreira has been out of action since suffering an injury against Vitoria de Guimaraes back in December and the 28-year-old will also play no part in Saturday's matchup.
Vizela possible starting lineup:
Ruberto; Silva, Gonçalves, Anderson, Lebedenko; Nascimento, Samu; Lokilo, Quina, Soro; Essende
Rio Ave possible starting lineup:
Jhonatan; Nobrega, Santos, William; Costinha, Tanlongo, Teixeira, Ronaldo; Joca, Aziz, Vrousai
We say: Vizela 2-1 Rio Ave
Should Vizela fail to claim victory here and Portimonense and Estrela win their games, their three-year stint in the top flight will come to an end. That said, we expect the Vizelenses to throw the kitchen sink in search of a vital win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joshua Ojele
