Preview: Estoril Praia vs. Vizela - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts, who have three points to their name, are currently sitting in the Primeira Liga relegation zone, while Vizela are a point better off in 14th place.

Match preview

After giving up a lead on three occasions to lose 4-3 in their league opener, Estoril responded positively to record a 2-0 win over Arouca in their first home game of the Primeira Liga season.

However, they have been unable to add to their tally since that result, losing three straight matches against Estrela, Boavista and Gil Vicente.

Despite scoring three goals in their away meeting with Gil Vicente last weekend, Estoril's vulnerable backline proved to be their downfall, shipping five goals inside the first hour to ensure they returned home empty-handed.

Estoril have now lost four of their opening five league games and conceded 13 goals across those defeats, highlighting a key area for improvement if they are to experience an upturn in fortunes.

While they are struggling defensively, Estoril have had no such problems at the other end of the pitch, having found the net in all five of their top-flight matches.

Vizela experienced an eventful start to the Primeira Liga season, falling to a narrow 3-2 defeat to Sporting Lisbon, before playing out an entertaining draw 2-2 draw against Arouca.

After losing out to Vitoria Guimaraes on matchday three, Vizela edged out Gil Vicente on home turf to finally clinch their first league win of Pablo Villar's tenure.

Unfortunately for Vizela, their maiden victory was followed by their first home league defeat of the campaign after suffering a narrow 2-1 loss to reigning champions Benfica in their most recent fixture.

They will now turn their attention to Saturday's away trip, and they will be looking to end a run of five consecutive away defeats in the top flight.

While that poor run of form may be a cause for concern, Vizela have won their last two away matches against Estoril after winning 2-1 in April 2022 and cruising to a 3-0 victory when the two sides went head-to-head in March.

Estoril Praia Primeira Liga form:

L

W

L

L

L

Estoril Praia form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

L

L

Vizela Primeira Liga form:

L

D

L

W

L

Vizela form (all competitions):

L

L

D

L

W

L

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Team News

Joao Marques is expected to be restored to the Estoril lineup after the 21-year-old came off the bench against Gil Vicente to score his third goal of the season.

Sporting Lisbon loanee Mateus Fernandes made his debut as a substitute last weekend, and the young midfielder is in contention to make his first start for the club on Saturday.

Fresh from opening his account for the season with a brace, Cassiano will be looking to trouble the Vizela defence when he leads the line.

As for the visitors, Orest Lebedenko remains unavailable after missing the defeat to Benfica with an injury issue.

After making his debut for the club last time out, Serbian midfielder Aleksandar Busnic is expected to retain his place in the side, with Villar set to name an unchanged lineup.

Alberto Soro, who is on loan from Spanish side Granada, will provide an option off the bench after making his debut as a substitute against Benfica.

Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:

Leite; Volnei, Alvaro, Cabaco, Araujo; Holsgrove, Fernandes; Guitane, Marques, Tavares; Cassiano

Vizela possible starting lineup:

Buntic; Silva, Wilson, Anderson, Pereira; Bustamante, Busnic; Moreira, Samu, Lacava; Essende

We say: Estoril Praia 2-2 Vizela

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