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

The visitors have a relegation playoff looming in the future, which will add further pressure to them heading into this one as the team tries to build momentum.

Match preview

It has been a tough campaign for Estoril Praia, but the club head into this match on the back of two games without a loss which has ensured their survival in the Primeira Liga this season.

They currently sit just above Maritimo in the league table, but with a six-point gap, it is impossible for the visitors to overtake them at this late stage.

After two impressive performances in a row Estoril Praia will be pushing to extend that run to end the season in style to begin focusing on next season.

Their last outing was a frantic 2-2 draw against Casa Pia which saw two goals take place in additional time as Pedro Alvaro scored in the 98th minute to secure a point.

Estoril Praia have been far more confident at home throughout this season which should bring some confidence heading into this match as well.

That is something that the visitors will have to deal with as Maritimo will be pushing hard to pick up three points even though it will have no impact on the league standings.

However, with two crucial games still to go for the team a victory at the weekend could be important simply from a confidence standpoint.

Safety in the division is not guaranteed for the Maritimo, therefore securing a win will be helpful, especially considering they picked up three points during their previous outing.

Jose Gomes was able to push his men to pick up a 1-0 victory against Vizela and the clean sheet is something that will provide plenty of belief.

However, Maritimo did leave things incredibly late in that game as Claudio Winck's goal took place in the 95th minute.

Estoril Praia Primeira Liga form:

L

L

W

L

W

D

Maritimo Primeira Liga form:

W

L

L

D

L

W

Team News

Cassiano Dias Moreira is expected to lead the line for the hosts this weekend as he looks to kick on after finding the back of the net last weekend.

Meanwhile, Joao Gamboa is expected to play a key role in the midfield from a defensive perspective, screening the back four.

Winck scored the winning goal from the bench last time out for Maritimo, and the full-back could end up being used from the first whistle this time around.

The visitors reverted back to four at the back in their previous match an considering they picked up three points and a clean sheet that is something that could be done again.

Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:

Daniel Leite; Tiago Araujo, Vital, Pedro Alvaro, Joaozinho; Joao Carvalho, Gamboa, Guitane; Gouveia, Marques, Carlos Eduardo

Maritimo possible starting lineup:

Marcelo Carne; Paulinho, Zainadine, Mosquera, Vitor Costa; Joao Afonso, Xadas, Andre Vidigal; Catamo, Riascos, Correia

We say: Estoril Praia 2-1 Maritimo

This match ultimately has no bearing on the league standing, but both teams will be pushing hard simply because of how tough their campaigns have been.

Estoril Praia have been putting together a good run toward the end of the season and considering they have the home advantage they should be able to take all three points.

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