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

The visitors, on the other hand, secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Taca de Portugal last time out and will be looking to keep the juggernaut rolling.

Match preview

Estoril Praia were denied a dream start to the new year as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Arouca when the sides squared off last Saturday.

In a cagey affair at the Estadio Municipal de Arouca, 24-year-old forward Oday Dabbagh scored on either side of the half-time break to inspire the Arouquenses to all three points.

The Canarinhos have now failed to win any of their last 10 matches across all competitions, claiming three draws and losing seven since October's 3-2 win at Amora FC in round three of the Taca de Portugal.

This run saw Estoril Praia crash out of the Taca da Liga after finishing rock-bottom in Group H, while they have now lost each of their last three league outings since the start of November.

With 16 points from 14 matches, Nelson Verissimo's side are currently 14th in the Primeira Liga standings, four points above the relegation places, albeit with one game in hand.

Elsewhere, Casa Pia continue to march on in the Taca de Portugal race as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Vitoria de Setubal in their round-of-16 clash on Thursday.

After taking a third-minute lead through Cameroonian forward Yan Eteki, Felipe Martin's men turned in a solid defensive display at the Estadio do Bonfim to protect their slender lead and see out the victory.

Casa Pia now return to the Primeira Liga, where they have enjoyed a superb first half of the season, picking up 27 points from 15 matches to sit fifth in the table, one point off first-placed Sporting Lisbon.

The Os Gansos head into Monday unbeaten in four of their last five league matches — claiming three wins and one draw — with a 2-1 home loss against Chaves on November 13 being the exception.

However, next up for Casa Pia is the challenge of taking on an Estoril Praia side who they have failed to defeat in their last four attempts, losing three and claiming one draw since August 2019.

Estoril Praia Primeira Liga form:

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L

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L

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L

Estoril Praia form (all competitions):

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L

D

L

L

Casa Pia Primeira Liga form:

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W

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W

D

Casa Pia form (all competitions):

L

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W

Team News

Erison, who has two goals in nine league appearances, should return to the fold after serving a suspension for receiving his marching orders against Famalicao on December 15.

Tiago Santos came off at half time in Saturday's game against Arouca in what was a tactical change and the 20-year-old forward should retain his role in the starting side.

Meanwhile, Casa Pia be without the services of Corinthians loanee Leo Natel, who has been ruled out until May after coming off injured in November's game against Braga.

He is joined on the club's injury table by goalkeeper Lucas Paes Souza, who has missed each of the last five matches through a muscle problem.

However, the visitors will be boosted by the return of Lucas Soares, who is available for selection after missing the cup game against Vitoria de Setubal through a one-game suspension.

Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:

Figueira; Santos, Mexer, Vital; Araujo, Rosier, Ndiaye, Siliki; Tavares, Carvalho, Martins

Casa Pia possible starting lineup:

Batista; Bolgado, Fernandes, Nunes; Soares, Neto, Brice, Lelo; Clayton, Martins, Antoine

We say: Estoril Praia 1-2 Casa Pia

Fresh off the back of an impressive cup display, Casa Pia will head into Monday with sky-high confidence as they look to move into the European qualification places. The visitors take on an out-of-sorts Estoril Praia side and we are tipping them to come away with another close victory.

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