Preview: Arouca vs. Boavista - prediction, team news, lineups

Os Axadrezados head into the weekend fresh off the back of ending a run of two consecutive defeats and will be looking to keep the juggernaut rolling.

Match preview

Arouca were denied a second consecutive away victory in the Primeira Liga when they were held to an uneventful goalless draw by newly-promoted Casa Pia last Sunday.

Both sides were guilty of a lack of sting at the attacking end of their pitch as they failed to create proper scoring chances before settling for a share of the spoils at the National Sports Center of Jamor.

Prior to that, the Arouquenses saw their run of two consecutive victories come to an end on August 28, when they suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat against Braga in front of their home fans.

Armando Evangelista's side have now picked up two wins, one draw and lost two of their five games this season to collect seven points and sit 11th in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with Sporting Lisbon and Estoril Praia.

Arouca now return home where they are currently unbeaten. in all but one of their last nine games across all competitions — claiming five wins and three draws — with August's loss against Braga being the exception.

Boavista, on the other hand, returned to winning ways as they saw off league strugglers Pacos de Ferreira 1-0 when the sides squared off last Monday.

Following a drab first half at the Estadio do Bessa, Feyenoord loanee Robert Bozenik came up clutch for the hosts as he scored the only goal of the game in the 58th minute to hand Cesar Peixoto's men their fifth defeat in five games.

Prior to that, Os Axadrezados were on a two-game losing streak, suffering a 2-0 defeat against newcomers Casa Pia at the National Sports Center of Jamor on August 21 before returning home six days later where they were beaten 3-0 by Benfica.

With nine points from the 15 available, Petit's men are currently fifth in the Primeira Liga standings, six points off first-placed Benfica, who have won each of their opening five games of the season.

Baovista will fancy their chances of strengthening their position in the upper echelons of the table as their next task sees them take on an opposing side against whom they are unbeaten in eight of the last 10 meetings between the sides since 2015.

Arouca Primeira Liga form:

Arouca form (all competitions):

Boavista Primeira Liga form:

Boavista form (all competitions):

Team News

Arouca will take to the pitch without the services of veteran defender Sema Velazquez, who has been out of action since last September when he suffered an ACL injury.

He is joined on the Arouquenses' injury table by 23-year-old forward Oday Dabbagh, who is yet to make an appearance this season after picking up a severe injury back in June.

Croatian midfielder Nino Galovic has missed the last 12 games after coming off injured against Portimonense back in April and the 30-year-old is out of contention for this weekend's clash.

Meanwhile, Petit will be unable to call upon Gambian forward Yusupha Njie, who is set to miss his fourth game on the spin after coming off injured following the game against Santa Clara on August 14.

The visitors will also have to make do with the absence of Portuguese international Miguel Reisinho, who continues his long journey to recovery after suffering a severe knee injury last August.

Arouca possible starting lineup:

Arruabarrena; Milovanov, Basso, Opoku, Esgaio; Soro, Busquets, Ruiz; Nunes, Bukia, Mujica

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Bracali; Cannon, Sasso, Abascal; Malheiro, Perez, Makouta, Ferreira; Agra, Bozenik, Gorre

We say: Arouca 2-2 Boavista

Boavista head into the weekend fresh off the back of a hard-earned victory over Pacos de Ferreira and will look to keep the ball rolling. However, they face an Arouca side who have been solid on their home turf in recent weeks. We predict the Arouquenses will frustrate the efforts of the visitors and hold out for a share of the spoils.

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