Famalicaovs.Farense

Hugo Oliveira, who will take charge of Famalicao for only the second time, will be looking to snap a run of five games without a victory in all competitions.

Match preview

Famalicao were left disappointed after playing out a 3-3 draw at Sporting Braga in Monday's league outing at the Estadio de Municipal de Braga.

The visitors took the game by the scruff of the neck to lead 2-0 and 3-1, seemingly putting them on course for what would have been their first win in five matches in all competitions.

However, the Blue and Whites were dealt a blow as Braga dug deep to deny Fama a much-needed victory, scoring in the 77th minute and fourth minute of second-half stoppage time to peg back Oliveira's side.

With that outcome, Vila Nova have failed to win in their last four league outings (three draws, one loss) since their 3-2 triumph at AVS in gameweek 10.

More worrying for Oliveira's team is their poor run of form at home, highlighted by a five-match winless sequence since beating Boavista 1-0 in late August.

Regardless, the hosts can take inspiration from beating this weekend's opponents 1-0 in the corresponding fixture last season and a broader five-match unbeaten run against Farense, even if four ended in draws.

Having finished eighth in the last three seasons, Famalicenses will be looking to improve on that, and a win against the basement boys could be the spark needed to set that in motion.

Meanwhile, Farense came away from their round 14 fixture empty-handed after being edged 1-0 by Gil Vicente at the Estadio Municipal de Sao Luis.

The Lions of Faro appeared to have turned the corner when they secured a 1-0 triumph over Estrela in late November and followed that up with a 1-1 draw away to Boavista - but they were soon brought back to earth with a defeat in their last Primeira Liga outing.

In search of points on the road against Famalicao, manager Toze Marreco has his work cut out, as the visitors are winless on their travels since the 3-0 victory at Estrela in late April.

Besides the atrocious away form, scoring goals is also a problem for Marreco's charges, who have hit the back of the net only seven times in their last 10 league outings.

Rooted to the bottom of the table with nine points from 14 matches, the visitors are in a battle to stave off relegation.

A positive result this weekend could take Leoes de Faro (nine points) out of the dreaded spots if they win and Arouca, Boavista (both have 11 points) and Estrela (12) fall to defeats.

Famalicao Primeira Liga form:

Famalicao form (all competitions):

W

D

L

L

D

D

SC Farense Primeira Liga form:

L

L

D

W

D

L

SC Farense form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

D

L

Team News

Although Famalicao have a nearly fully fit squad with no suspensions, goalkeeper Ivan Zlobin will be out of Saturday's match after suffering an injury against Braga last Monday.

Enea Mihaj and Riccieli are expected to form the centre-back pairing, while Gil Dias, Rochinha and Gustavo Sa, with a combined nine goal contributions, will likely support Oscar Aranda, who has four goal involvements, up top.

For the visitors, Brazilian defender Claudio Falcao will be available for selection after being suspended for the Gil Vicente fixture.

Portuguese forward Tomane returned from a spell on the sidelines against Gil Vicente last time out and is expected to secure a spot on the bench, with two-goal Liga man Dario Poveda playing from the off.

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Carevic; Riccieli, Mihaj, Calegari, Soares; Youssouf, Topic; Dias, Sa, Rochinha; Aranda

SC Farense possible starting lineup:

Velho; Africo, Falcao, Moreno; Neto, Merino, Victor, Pastor; Matias, Poveda, Balde

We say: Famalicao 1-0 SC Farense

The home side got off to a decent start under a new manager with a 3-3 draw at Braga, and they will be desperate to register their first win under Oliveira.

Given Farense's well-documented road struggles and a loss on their last visit to the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao, a narrow 1-0 victory for the home side seems likely.

Written by

Ademola Adediji

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