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

Despite a historic victory over Sporting Lisbon a fortnight ago, the Reds and Greens are still embroiled in a relegation fight, whereas Estoril could climb to as high as eighth with a win this weekend.

Match preview

Maritimo have endured a tumultuous start to 2023 in the Primeira Liga, with Jose Gomes's men experiencing the true highs and lows of football in just the first two weeks of the calendar year.

A 56th-minute penalty from right-back Claudio Winck secured a 1-0 win over Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon in Maritimo's last home fixture, a result which sent shockwaves around the division and handed the hosts that day only their second win of the season.

Gomes's side then travelled to Vizela full of confidence, but after a brace within the first five minutes of the clash from Milutin Osmajic, the Maritimo faithful must have been wondering how they had conquered such superior foe only a week earlier.

A second-half strike from Anderson led to a 3-0 loss, a result which leaves Maritimo 17th in the league standings, five points behind Gil Vicente who sit outside the relegation places.

Maritimo have admittedly won just once on home soil this campaign but have been able to keep games relatively tight, having conceded just eight times in seven home matches - the same number as league-leaders Braga.

Estoril came into Monday's clash with Casa Pia without a win in any competition since October, but a Chico Geraldes penalty and Tiago Gouveia's third of the season ensured a much-needed maximum in front of their home faithful.

That 10-game winless run did include a quartet of League Cup fixtures - which is the main reason Estoril do not find themselves in any critical danger in the Primeira Liga table - although now they have only the league to focus on the aim will be to increase the gap from the relegation places.

Bruno Baltazar's side have been effective on the road against struggling teams so far this campaign, collecting maximum points from away fixtures with both Pacos de Ferreira and Gil Vicente, meaning a victory over Maritimo on Sunday would complete a trio of away successes over the league's bottom-three outfits.

The Canarinhos - despite a victory last time out - are still threatened with the potential of a relegation battle this season if they are to go on another gruelling winless streak, with the likes of Maritimo desperate to chase them down.

Maritimo Primeira Liga form:

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Maritimo form (all competitions):

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Estoril Praia Primeira Liga form:

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Estoril Praia form (all competitions):

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Team News

Maritimo defender Matheus Costa was shown a straight red card in the second half of the loss at Vizela last weekend meaning he will serve a one-match suspension, with 30-year-old Rene the most likely player to come into the XI to partner Moises Mosquera at the heart of the hosts' defence.

Brazilian Joao Afonso was substituted at half time during the defeat last time out as Gomes looked to change the course of the game, and his replacement Stefano Beltrame could start alongside Rafael Brito on Sunday afternoon.

Estoril right-back Tiago Santos failed to impress during his side's loss to Arouca a fortnight ago but retained his place for the victory over Casa Pia, and the 20-year-old is expected to be handed a starting berth once again.

Baltazar will be hopeful joint-topscorer James Lea Siliki is available for selection after missing the match against Casa Pia - if the Cameroonian is sidelined for a second successive game then Rodrigo Martins's place at right-wing on Sunday is secured.

Maritimo possible starting lineup:

Carne; Winck, Mosquera, Rene, Vitor; Xadas, Beltrame, Brito, Pereira; Ramirez, Vidigal

Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:

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

We say: Maritimo 1-1 Estoril Praia

Maritimo will be disappointed that they were not able to build on that victory over Sporting Lisbon by beating Vizela, but will now relish the opportunity to drag Estoril into a relegation scrap by collecting all three points this weekend.

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