Aroucavs.Moreirense

The hosts head into this encounter buoyed by a spirited comeback in their 2-2 draw against Vitoria de Guimaraes, marking their third successive game without defeat.

Match preview

After a 1-1 draw against Gil Vicente and a 3-1 victory over Boavista, Arouca's impressive run faced a stern test against Guimaraes when they found themselves trailing by two goals in the first half.

However, a determined second-half display saw Tiago Esgaio halve the deficit in the 56th minute before Chico Lamba (72') levelled matters moments later to ensure the spoils were shared.

Having now gone three games without defeat, Vasco Seabra's side appear to have found their rhythm after a turbulent spell in which they lost six of their previous eight matches across all competitions, including five defeats, one draw and one win in seven league outings.

This recent resurgence has lifted Arouquenses out of the drop zone, with the team now sitting 15th in the Primeira Liga standings, a point above 16th-placed SC Farense, who occupy the relegation playoff spot.

Determined to steer further clear of danger, Arouca will be eager to build on their momentum, though they must overcome a daunting record, having lost their last three meetings against the visitors.

In contrast to the hosts' upturn in form, Moreirense have struggled in recent weeks, enduring a six-game winless run across all competitions that includes three draws and three losses.

Conegos' latest setback was a frustrating goalless draw against relegation-threatened Farense at Parque Moreira, a result that leaves them eighth in the standings with 23 points, nine adrift of the Conference League qualification spot.

Moreirense's recent slump has been largely attributed to struggles in the final third, as they have failed to find the back of the net in four of their last six matches.

Despite their current woes, Cesar Peixoto's side may draw confidence from their strong scoring record at the Municipal, where they have netted in each of their last five visits, recording three wins, a draw and a loss in that period.

Arouca Primeira Liga form:

L

W

L

D

W

D

Moreirense Primeira Liga form:

W

L

L

D

D

D

Moreirense form (all competitions):

L

L

D

D

L

D

Team News

With Vladislav Morozov completing a move to Pacos Ferreira earlier this month, Guven Yalcin faces less competition for the centre-forward role and is expected to lead the line for Arouca once again.

On the injury front, Arouquenses remain without Kouassi Eboue, who has yet to feature this season after suffering a serious muscle injury in May, while Nino Galovic remains sidelined with a knee problem sustained in August.

Moreirense will be without left-back Godfried Frimpong, who is suspended after accumulating one too many yellow cards, with right-back Fabiano potentially filling in.

Meanwhile, Hernani Infande remains a doubt as he continues his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament injury that has kept him sidelined since March last year.

Arouca possible starting lineup:

Mantl; Esgaio, Lamba, Fontan, Weverson; Simao, Santos; Yalcin, Jason, Trezza; Garcia

Moreirense possible starting lineup:

Kewin; Pinto, Marcelo, Maracas, Fabiano; Ismael, Ofori; Gabrielzinho, Alan, Madson; Asue

We say: Arouca 1-1 Moreirense

Written by

Adeyeye Oluwapelumi

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