Preview: Pacos de Ferreira vs. Boavista - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are currently on a run of four consecutive games without a win in this fixture, while the visitors are aiming to secure their first away win in the league since September.

Match preview

Pacos de Ferreira currently sit rooted to the bottom of the Primeira Liga, but they managed to boost their survival hopes with a much-needed victory away at Estoril Praia last time out.

Goals from Adrian Butzke, Nigel Thomas and Jordan Holsgrove helped Pacenses to their second away win of 2023, and that victory leaves Cesar Peixoto's side just three points behind Santa Clara in 16th.

However, Pacos de Ferreira have the worst home record in the division, recording just one win, two draws and eight losses in the 11 games that they have played in front of their own fans to amass five points.

Indeed, Peixoto's men also currently hold the league's second-worst attacking record with just 15 goals scored so far, while they have allowed 37 at the opposite end of the pitch — only Maritimo (39) have conceded more.

Pacos de Ferreira could boost their survival hopes even further with a victory here, but they have not won back-to-back games all season.

Elsewhere, Boavista suffered another defeat on the road last time out, this time at the hands of league leaders Benfica.

Gilberto broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, but Boavista immediately responded through Yusupha Nije before Joao Mario saw his penalty saved by Rafael Bracali. Consequently, Roger Schmidt's side needed goals in the last 10 minutes from Goncalo Ramos and Peta Musa to seal the win for Benfica.

That defeat leaves Os Axadrezados in 11th place on 26 points, but they could move up to eighth place with all three points on Sunday providing other results go their way.

However, since September's 2-1 victory at Arouca, Boavista have lost all but one of six away games in the league, with a 2-2 draw against Santa Clara on February 4 being the exception.

Petit will be confident that his side can end their torrid run away from home here, as Os Axadrezados have won three of the last four meetings between these two sides.

Pacos de Ferreira Primeira Liga form:

W

L

L

W

L

W

Boavista Primeira Liga form:

D

W

D

L

D

L

Team News

Brazilian defender Maracas will return for Pacos de Ferreira after serving a one-game suspension for his dismissal against Portimonense.

In his absence, 24-year-old defender Erick Ferigra has played alongside Nuno Lima at the heart of the Pacos de Ferreira defence, but it seems likely that Maracas will slot straight back into the starting XI.

Rui Pires, who has started 19 league matches this season, should retain his role at the centre of the park, while Jordan Holsgrove, Adrian Butzke and Nigel Thomas are all expected to retain their places after their heroics against Estoril Praia.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Perez will return to the fold for Boavista after serving a one-game suspension of his own for his red card against Casa Pia.

Uruguayan defender Rodrigo Abascal will also be available for selection for Sunday's contest after crossing the yellow card threshold with his booking in the aforementioned game.

Pacos de Ferreira possible starting lineup:

Marafona; Delgado, Lima, Maracas, Antunes; Carlos, Holsgrove, Pires; Gaitan, Butzke, Thomas

Boavista possible starting lineup:

Bracali; Malheiro, Sasso, Abascal, Onyemaechi; Vukotic, Camara, Agra; Perez, Mangas, Njie

We say: Pacos de Ferreira 1-1 Boavista

Despite Pacos de Ferreira's position in the table, they have shown an upturn in form recently, winning two of their last three games.

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