Preview: Arouca vs. Chaves - prediction, team news, lineups

As it stands, the sixth-placed hosts hold a two-point lead over their opponents, with nearest rivals Vitoria de Guimaraes not in action until a day later.

Match preview

There was a time not so long ago when Arouca looked destined to claim a spot in the top five having put together an eight-match undefeated streak.

However, Armando Evangelista's side have since lost three games in succession, allowing Vitoria de Guimaraes, who have won the same amount of matches in a row, to move ahead of them.

Arouca have not scored a single goal during those defeats, succumbing to Rio Ave, Porto and Estoril respectively, and a win on Saturday now feels imperative.

Fifth-placed Vitoria still have to travel to Porto on the final day of the season, creating a scenario where wins over Chaves and Portimonense may prove enough for Arouquenses to earn European football.

Nevertheless, Chaves will feel the same and they can keep the pressure on Vitoria if they can prevail at Estadio Municipal on the day before Vitoria host Gil Vicente.

Vitor Campelos's side are currently one of the form teams in the entire division having collected 14 points from their most recent six fixtures.

One of their four wins during that period came at home to leaders Benfica, and further victories have been posted over Casa Pia, Famalicao and Pacos de Ferreira in successive fixtures.

Just two goals have been conceded over that half-a-dozen outings, and Campelos will have every confidence that Flavienses can continue their hot streak over their out-of-form opponents.

When the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse encounter back in January, penalties were required for each side to get on the scoresheet.

Arouca Primeira Liga form:

W

D

W

L

L

L

Chaves Primeira Liga form:

D

W

D

W

W

W

Team News

Arsenio could be brought into the Arouca XI after Antony was withdrawn during the first half of the defeat to Estoril.

While other changes are a possibility, Evangelista may be against making too many alterations with his side having held their hosts for 68 minutes last time out.

Top goalscorer Oday Dabbagh remains on the sidelines with the injury that he sustained in February.

Campelos could see little reason to tinker with his Chaves starting lineup on the back of their 2-0 triumph over Pacos de Ferreira.

Although Joao Correia made an impact off the substitutes' bench, the defender may have to settle for a spot among the replacements.

Arouca possible starting lineup:

Arroubarena; Esgaio, Basso, Opoku, Quaresma; Busquets, Simao; Arsenio, Ruiz, Sylla; Mujica

Chaves possible starting lineup:

Vitor; Monte, Ponck, Vitoria, Langa; Mendes, Obiora, Teixeira; Abass, Hernandez, Benny

We say: Arouca 1-2 Chaves

Although Arouca have the advantage in terms of league position, all of the momentum is with their next opponents. In what we feel will inevitably be a hard-fought contest, Chaves should have the edge to come through by the odd goal in three.

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