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

After their recent uptick in form, the hosts are up to eighth in the league table, but they may have their work cut out, coming up against the side in fourth place.

Match preview

Moreirense won the Portuguese second tier by a 10-point margin last season, and they will be happy with the start they have made to the 2023-24 campaign, considering they are in the top half of the table.

The Green and Whites kicked off the season with a narrow 2-1 loss against FC Porto, while they have also lost against Braga and Sporting Lisbon, but they have looked very solid against teams around their level.

Despite their tough start, Rui Borges's side have taken 10 points from their opening seven games, and they have won their last two games on the spin, which should give them confidence heading into Friday's game.

In their last match, Moreirense recorded their most convincing victory yet, running out 4-0 winners away at Rio Ave with Joao Camacho bagging a brace, while Fabiano Silva and Madson also managed to get on the scoresheet.

However, Rio Ave are currently sitting in the relegation zone, and Friday's match is likely to be a far tougher test for the newly-promoted side, considering their opponents have made a very promising start to the campaign.

Boavista are up in fourth place, just five points off the top, having picked up 14 points in their first seven games, and they have particularly impressed in an attacking sense, scoring 17 goals, the joint-second highest amount in the division.

The only loss the Panthers have suffered so far came away against Braga, but much like their opponents, they have looked very impressive against some of the weaker teams in the league, defeating the likes of Portimonense, Estoril and Chaves.

Not only that, but Petit's side laid down a marker as a potential threat by defeating 2022-23 Primeira Liga winners Benfica 3-2 on the opening day of the season, displaying their determination by fighting back to win 3-2, despite trailing twice.

Boavista may be a little disappointed with the result in their last match, conceding a stoppage-time equaliser against Famalicao at home to draw 2-2, so they will be looking to bounce back with a win, against a Moreirense side they have a very good record against.

Friday's visitors have won the last three matches between the two sides, conceding just one goal in the process, which should give them confidence heading into the match.

Moreirense Primeira Liga form:

D

W

L

L

W

W

Boavista Primeira Liga form:

W

D

W

W

L

D

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Team News

Borges has very little reason to make too many changes to his Moreirense side, given that they have won their last two games on the bounce, most recently recording a 4-0 victory against Rio Ave.

However, the manager may choose to reward Madson with a start at left-wing, as the Brazilian scored his second Primeira Liga goal of the season after being brought on as a substitute in the last match, meaning Kobamelo Kodisang could drop to the bench.

Boavista, on the other hand, will be forced into at least one change, as Tiago Morais, who has already scored four league goals this season, was shown a red card last weekend, so Luis Santos is in line for a start.

Sebastian Perez missed the 2-2 draw against Famalicao, having been dismissed after receiving two yellow cards against Braga, but the central midfielder is available for selection again this weekend, and he may replace Ilija Vukotic.

Moreirense possible starting lineup:

Kewin; Silva, Marcelo, Ponck, Amador; Camacho, Alan, Ofori, Franco, Madson; Luis

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Goncalves; Agra, Awaziem, Barros, Onyemaechi; Vukotic, Makouta, Lourenco, Reisinho, Santos; Bozenik

We say: Moreirense 2-2 Boavista

Boavista have often got the better of Moreirense in their recent encounters, but the hosts have looked very promising since being promoted back to the Primeira Liga.

As such, we are expecting a draw on Friday night, in what could be a high-scoring game given that the visitors are the joint-second highest scorers in the division.

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