Estrela Amadoravs.Rio Ave

The Vilacondenses head into the weekend unbeaten in each of their last four games against the home side since a 2-0 loss in January 2009 and will be looking to extend this dominant run.

Match preview

Bottom-dwellers Estrela Amadora turned in a spirited performance last Saturday when they fought back from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw with Moreirense.

In a game where Mansur received his marching orders, an own goal from Bruno Brigido and Andre Castro's 26th-minute strike put Moreirense in a comfortable lead but Andre Luiz and Kikas scored second-half goals to force a share of the spoils.

Manager Sergio Vieira will hope last weekend's comeback can serve as a springboard for a fine run of form as Estrela set out to end their run of three consecutive games without a win and pull clear of the danger zone.

Since beating Casa Pia 3-1 on March 8 — a result which saw their three-game winless run come to an end — the Tricolores have picked up just one point from a possible nine.

A run of just three wins in 20 matches across all competitions since the start of November has put Estrela's top-flight status in peril as they find themselves in a heated relegation dogfight heading into the season's run-in.

With 27 points from 28 matches, Estrela are currently 15th in the Primeira Liga standings, just one point above 16th-placed Portimonense in the relegation playoff spot.

On the other hand, Rio Ave, picked up three huge points in their battle for survival as they thrashed 10-man Gil Vicente 3-0 when the sides squared off last Saturday.

The Gilistas were simply outclassed and outplayed at the Estadio dos Arcos as Joao Teixeira, Abdul-Aziz Yakubu and Joca Fernandes all found the back of the net to fire the hosts to a comfortable win.

With that result, Rio Ave have now gone six consecutive games without defeat, picking up five draws and one win since a 2-1 defeat against Famalicao at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao on February 16.

After an underwhelming first half of the season, Luis Freire's side have turned a corner at the business end of the campaign, losing just twice since the turn of the year.

Both defeats have come away from home, where Rio Ave struggled to get going and are yet to taste victory in all competitions this term, losing eight and claiming eight draws in their 16 matches.

The Vilacondenses have picked up 29 points from 28 matches to sit 12th in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with Boavista and Estoril Praia, but could move into ninth-place with all three points this weekend.

Estrela Amadora Primeira Liga form:

D

L

W

D

L

D

Rio Ave Primeira Liga form:

D

D

D

D

D

W

Team News

Estrela Amadora will have to cope without Brazilian defender Mansur, who is currently suspended after receiving his marching orders against Moreirense last weekend.

In his absence, Leo Cordeiro should take up the left wing-back role, with Diogo Fonseca, Kialonda Gaspar and Pedro Mendes forming the back three, and Leonel Bucca and Aloisio de Souza teaming up at the centre of the park.

On the injury front, Vieira will be unable to call upon the services of Gustavo Henrique, veteran midfielder Rodrigo Pinho and striker Joao Reis, who continue their spells on the sidelines.

Manuel Keliano has been out of action since sustaining an injury while in action for Angola at the Africa Cup of Nations in January and will also play no part in this weekend's game.

Meanwhile, Moroccan forward Amine Oudrhiri missed the game against Gil Vicente through a knee injury and the 31-year-old is out of contention for Rio Ave.

He is joined on the club's injury table by fellow forward Andre Perreira, who has been out of action since suffering a severe injury against Vitoria de Guimaraes back in December.

With his strike against Gil Vicente, Aziz now has five goals in 12 matches since being recalled from his loan stint at Wuhan Three Towns in January and the Ghanaian striker should spearhead the Vilacondenses attack once again.

Estrela Amadora possible starting lineup:

Brigido; Fonseca, Gaspar, Mendes; Lopes, Bucca, Souza, Santos; Luiz, Tavares, Jaba

Rio Ave possible starting lineup:

Jhonatan; Pantalon, Santos, William; Costinha, Tanlongo, Teixeira, Ronaldo, Joca; Aziz, Vrousai

We say: Estrela Amadora 1-1 Rio Ave

Estrela and Rio Ave find themselves scrambling for points at the wrong end of the table and Sunday's result could prove pivotal in their battle against the drop. We predict both sides will take a cautious approach to this one and cancel out each other's efforts.

Previews by email