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

Joao Pedro Sousa's side, on the other hand, head into the weekend on a run of three consecutive defeats and will be looking to end this dry spell.

Match preview

Famalicao's struggles in the early stages of the Primeira Liga campaign continued as they were condemned to a 1-0 defeat by newly-promoted Casa Pia two Sundays ago.

Following a drab first half at the National Sports Center of Jamor, the game was decided on the hour mark when Brazilian defender Leo Bolgado scored the only goal of the game to put the visitors to the sword.

The Vila Nova have now lost each of their most recent three outings, suffering consecutive 1-0 defeats against Portimonense, Benfica and Casa Pia since a 1-0 victory over Santa Clara on August 28.

Famalicao, who secured an impressive eighth-placed finish last term, have picked up one win, one draw and lost five of their opening seven games this season to collect four points and sit 16th in the Primeira Liga standings.

Boavista, on the other hand, maintained their impressive run of results as they claimed a 2-1 victory over 2020-21 champions Sporting Lisbon when the sides squared off a fortnight ago.

Twenty-four-year-old forward Bruno Lourenco, who completed a summer move from Estoril Praia, scored either side of Marcus Edwards's 55th-minute equaliser to condemn the visitors to their third defeat of the season.

Petit's men head into the weekend on a fine run of three victories from their three games in September, scoring five goals and conceding twice since a 3-0 loss at the hands of Benfica on August 27.

With 15 points from seven games, Boavista are currently fifth in the league standings, level on points with fourth-placed Portimonense, but could potentially move into third place with all three points this weekend.

The Os Axadrezados will fancy their chances of coming away with the desired results as they take a trip to the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao, where they are currently unbeaten in their last three visits, picking up one win and two draws in that time.

Famalicao Primeira Liga form:

L

D

W

L

L

L

Boavista Primeira Liga form:

W

L

L

W

W

W

Team News

Famalicao will take to the pitch without the defensive duo of Martin Aguirregabiria and 23-year-old Diogo Queiros, who are currently recuperating from injuries.

Spanish international Ivan Jaime has been sidelined since January, when he sustained a ruptured cruciate ligament, and the 22-year-old midfielder will play no part in this weekend's games encounter.

The Vila Nova will be boosted by the return of former Porto forward Ivo Rodrigues, who is back available for selection after serving his suspension for picking up a red card against Benfica on September 10.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old midfielder Miguel Reisinho remains out of contention for Boavista after the 23-year-old midfielder suffered a severe knee injury back in August.

Off the back of a fine attacking display against Sporting Lisbon, we expect Petit to name an unchanged front three of Robert Bozenik, Kenji Gorre and Portuguese international Lourenco.

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Junior; Fuente, Riccieli, Mihaj, Lima; Brazão, Pele, Colombatto, Fonseca, Fonte, Moura

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Cesar; Cannon, Sasso, Abascal, Malheiro; Makouta, Perez, Onyemaechi; Lourenco, Bozenik, Gorre

We say: Famalicao 1-2 Boavista

Boavista have enjoyed a sensational start to the season, claiming five wins from their opening seven games. Os Axadrezados square off against an out-of-sorts Famalicao side who have lost each of their last three games and we anticipate they will come away with all three points once again.

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