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

Joao Pedro Sousa's side are only one place above the relegation playoff trapdoor, while the Canaries sit in 13th position in the standings heading into the latest round of Primeira Liga matches.

Match preview

Famalicao are playing a dangerous game with their top-flight Portuguese league status, precariously situated only four points above Santa Clara.

Sousa's side sit in 15th position in the Primeira Liga standings after registering only five victories throughout the season's opening half.

Returning to the Estadio Municipal 22 de Junho will relieve Famalicenses supporters, with Famalicao accumulating 10 points from their last five league games at home.

Famalicao were beaten comprehensively by defending Primeira Liga champions Porto on January 15, down partly to a hat-trick of goals from the hosts within the opening 45 minutes.

Hoping to get back on track, Sousa's side shared the spoils with Rio Ave on Sunday after playing out a goalless draw in front of their supporters.

The Famalicenses are unbeaten in their last three head-to-head home encounters across all competitions, which should give the home supporters the confidence to extend their one-sided historical record in the fixture further on Sunday evening.

Estoril Praia make the footballing expedition to Vila Nova de Famalicao seeking to exploit Famalicao's defensive frailties exhibited throughout the campaign.

The Canaries have failed to unlock the cage door in terms of finding the back of the net on their 2022-23 league away days, netting on only eight occasions.

However, this weekend's visit to the Estadio Municipal 22 de Junho could be the time to change that modest record, with Famalicao conceding the joint-fifth highest number of league goals - 23 - in the division.

With only one victory in their last five matches, Estoril Praia could be at risk of being dragged into the battle at the bottom of the Primeira Liga standings if results do not start to pick up in the coming weeks.

Nelson Verissimo's side are winless in their last four league matches on the road dating back to their 1-0 victory over Gil Vicente on October 7 but will hope for a change of fortunes against their fellow relegation adversaries on Sunday evening.

Famalicao Primeira Liga form:

D

L

W

W

L

D

Famalicao form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

L

D

Estoril Praia Primeira Liga form:

D

L

L

L

W

L

Estoril Praia form (all competitions):

L

D

L

L

W

L

Team News

Famalicao manager Joao Pedro Sousa could stick with the same back four on Sunday following their clean sheet against Rio Ave, with Alexandre Penetra, Riccieli, Enea Mihaj and Francisco Moura again starting as the last line of defence for goalkeeper Luiz Junior.

Striker Rui Fonte could be recalled to the Famalicenses' starting XI at the expense of either Ivo Rodrigues or Leandro Sanca after coming on as a second-half substitute on Sunday.

Estoril Praia boss Nelson Verissimo could contemplate making changes to his 11 following on from witnessing his side's defeat to Maritimo.

After making an appearance off the bench, Rodrigo Martins could be restored to the Canaries' attacking quartet in the final third.

If Verissimo does decide to restore the Portuguese forward to the Canaries' starting team sheet, he will join fellow attacking assets James Lea Siliki, on-loan Benfica winger Tiago Gouveia and Francisco Geraldes in the final third for the visitors at the Estadio Municipal 22 de Junho.

Carlos Eduardo could be in line to make his debut for Estoril after signing on the dotted line for a season-long loan spell from Brazilian side Palmeiras, but the Brazilian winger is expected to have to settle for a place among the substitutes from the get-go.

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Junior; Penetra, Mihaj, Riccieli, Moura; Colombatto, Youssouf; Jaime, Sanca, Fonte, Cadiz

Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:

Figueira; Santos, Vital, Mexer, Joaozinho; Ndiaye, Carvalho; Geraldes, Martins, Gouveia; Siliki

We say: Famalicao 1-1 Estoril Praia

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