Preview: Casa Pia vs. Vizela - prediction, team news, lineups

The Vizelenses, on the other hand, head into the weekend fresh off the back of ending their six-game winless run and will be looking to keep the juggernaut rolling.

Match preview

Casa Pia maintained their string of outstanding results as they fought back from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Maritimo when the sides squared off last Monday.

After falling behind to Bruno Xadas's 11th-minute opener, the visitors upped the ante at the Estadio do Maritimo as Clayton and Leonardo Lelo found the back of the net to complete an impressive turnaround.

Os Ganso, who finished second in the Segunda Liga last season to secure their return to the top flight, are currently on a three-game winning streak, while they have picked up five wins from their last six outings.

With 17 points from a possible 24, Filipe Martins's men are currently fourth in the Primeira Liga standings, but could potentially rise as high as second place with all three points this weekend.

Casa Pia's stellar return to the top flight has been owing to the solid job done at the defensive end of the pitch, where they boast the division's second-best record with four goals conceded and five clean sheets in their opening eight games.

Elsewhere, Vizela picked up just their second win of the season last weekend when they saw off a resilient Portimonense side 1-0 in front of their home fans.

In a cagey affair at the Estadio do FC Vizela, former America Mineiro defender Anderson came up trumps for the hosts as he netted in the 14th minute to put the Portimao outfit to the sword.

The Vizelenses were previously on a run of six consecutive games without a win, managing two draws and losing four since their 1-0 victory away to Rio Ave in the league curtain-raiser on August 6.

Vizela, who secured a 14th-placed finish last term, are currently 14th in the league standings after picking up eight points from their opening eight games, but could move into 10th place with a win on Sunday.

Manager Alvaro Pacheco will hope last weekend's victory can serve as a springboard for a fine run of form as they prepare for their Taca de Portugal opener against Segunda Liga side Penafiel on October 16.

Casa Pia Primeira Liga form:

W

W

D

W

W

W

Vizela Primeira Liga form:

D

D

L

L

L

W

Team News

Casa Pia will be without the services of Bosnian international Nermin Zolotic, who is currently suspended after receiving his marching orders against Maritimo last weekend.

In his absence, 29-year-old Derick Poloni should come into the XI, teaming up with Vasco Fernandes and Fernando Varela in the three-man defence line.

On the injury front, Martins will be unable to call upon veteran forward Carnejy Antoine, who is yet to feature this season after sustaining an injury in July.

Vizela, on the other hand, will have to cope with the absence of Nigerian forward Friday Etim, who has been out of action since May through a long-term muscle injury.

He is joined on the Vizeleneses' injury table by Bruno Wilson, who has missed the last three games after being forced off injured midway through the game against Benfica on September 2.

Casa Pia possible starting lineup:

Batista; Poloni, Fernandes, Varela; Soares, Taira, Baro, Lelo; Kunimoto, Clayton, Godwin

Vizela possible starting lineup:

Buntic; Silva, Fernandes, Anderson, Afonso; Mendez, Claudemir, Samu; Bondoso, Schmidt, Moreira

We say: Casa Pia 1-1 Vizela

Casa Pia have enjoyed a stellar start to life in the top flight and will be looking to keep the ball rolling. However, their next task pits them against a Vizela side who are unbeaten in the last four meetings between the sides. We predict Casa Pia will maintain their unbeaten run and force a share of the spoils.

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