Farensevs.Portimonense

While their opponents, SC Farense, have nothing specific to fight for, it is all on the line for the visitors.

Match preview

It has been a season of inconsistency for Farense this time out, and their current midtable position of ninth reflects that.

With this being the season's final game, the hosts have no clear aspirations as they cannot finish any higher in the division, but they will be keeping one eye behind them.

A defeat could lead to Farense dropping as low as 12th, depending on other fixtures, and Jose Mota will be keen to avoid that so they can enjoy a top-half finish.

Farense will need a stronger performance than last weekend to guarantee that, though. Despite having more shots throughout the game, they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Gil Vicente.

Mota's squad should also be hoping to get some vengeance for their previous meeting against Portimonense as that resulted in a 1-0 defeat, and ending the season with three points for the fans would be welcomed.

The visitors will be desperate to prevent this happening, and the fact that they were able to beat Farense earlier in this campaign should give them a lot of confidence heading into this crucial match.

It might not mean much to the hosts, but for Portimonense, it is the season's biggest game. A defeat here would guarantee relegation, while a draw would leave it up to goal difference, provided that Estrela Amadora also loses.

However, considering the club's current goal difference of -35, avoiding that as the deciding factor will be high on Paulo Sergio's list of things to do.

Both Estrela Amadora and Boavista are mathematically catchable this weekend, which will give fans increased hope that avoiding the drop is possible. However, if both teams win, it does not matter what happens in this game, as Portimonense will be relegated.

With no wins in their previous five outings, momentum is not on the visiting team's side, but they have picked up a trio of draws in that time, which showcases the fighting spirit within the club at the moment.

SC Farense Primeira Liga form:

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D

L

W

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L

Portimonense Primeira Liga form:

W

D

D

L

L

D

Team News

The hosts could welcome Claudio Falcao back into the team this weekend as he missed out on the previous match due to a one-game suspension.

Bruno Duarte is expected to lead the line once again, but at the other end of the field Farense goalkeeper Luiz Felipe is injured.

The visitors are also dealing with an injury as Zinho is still out of action, as has been the case since February.

Helio Varela should continue to provide width for Portimonense, and after getting on the scoresheet last weekend he should also provide a goal threat.

SC Farense possible starting lineup:

Velho; Pastor, Silva, Rossi, Talys; Barbosa, Falcao, Mattheus; Belloumi, Matias, Duarte

Portimonense possible starting lineup:

Nakamura; Costa, Pedrao, Alemao, Seck; Fukui, Carlinhos, Ventura; Pereira, Varela, Campos

We say: SC Farense 1-2 Portimonense

SC Farense certainly boasts the stronger squad heading into this match,

and on paper, they will be considered the favourites to win due to the season that they have had.

However, with so much on the line for the visitors and the threat of relegation looming over them, they could pick up three points here to give themselves a fighting chance of survival.

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