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

Os Castores head into this season without manager Pepa, who departed in the summer, and they will be keen to repeat last season's success under the new leadership of Jorge Simao.

Match preview

Pacos de Ferreira enjoyed a strong season last year, occupying fifth spot for the majority of the campaign.

Os Castores broke into the top five after a 2-0 victory over Braga in their 14th league game of the season, and they would not move for the remainder of the campaign, eventually finishing with an impressive tally of 53 points from 34 top-flight outings.

As a result, they earned a spot in the qualifying phase of the new UEFA Europa Conference League, although the departure of Pepa at the end of the campaign put a slight downer on the season overall.

With Jorge Simao now at the helm, they entered at the third round of qualifying in the continental tournament, and Os Castores played out a goalless draw with Larne Town in the first leg last time out.

That came after they progressed to the third round of the Taca da Liga, winning a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw with Gil Vicente, as a Denilson goal for Pacos de Ferreira was cancelled out by Bilel Aouacheria's equaliser on the hour mark.

At the start of a new era under Simao, Os Castores will hope to repeat last season's league success, and will be keen to get off to a strong start before taking on Larne Town in an important second-leg clash next week.

Famalicao's campaign last year was notably different to that of Sunday's opponents, as they spent the majority of the season battling to avoid relegation.

They fell to the foot of the division after the half-way point of the season, but an upturn in form would see them climb out of the bottom three with 10 games to go.

Fama managed to remain outside of the drop zone for the remainder of the campaign, while three consecutive victories towards the end of the season fired them into the top half, as Ivo Vieira's men eventually finished in ninth place.

They then kicked off this season with back-to-back 1-0 wins to reach the third round of the Taca da Liga, with an Ivo Rodrigues making the difference in their first-round victory over Feirense, before Bruno Rodrigues fired them to a win over newly-promoted Estoril Praia.

Those results will give Fama a confidence boost heading into the new season, as they look to achieve another top-half finish this year.

Pacos de Ferreira form (all competitions):

Famalicao form (all competitions):

Team News

Pacos de Ferreira come into Sunday's game without goalkeeper Jordi, who is out of action through injury, meaning Andre Ferreira will likely start between the sticks.

Midfielder Mohamed Diaby will also miss out, although the likes of Stephen Eustaquio still possess the ability to dominate the midfield battle, while new signing Rui Pires could get the opportunity to start.

The line should be led by Douglas Tanque, who hit nine goals in the top flight last season, while Denilson could also feature in the front line after arriving from Atletico Mineiro in the summer.

With ongoing links away from the club in the transfer window, Famalicao may be forced to keep 20-year-old star Manuel Ugarte out of Sunday's squad.

Gustavo Assuncao will continue to lead the midfield, while new arrival David Tavares should again feature in Ugarte's place.

Ivo Rodrigues and Bruno Rodrigues should both play key roles in the front line, having each hit a goal in the Taca da Liga.

Striker Pedro Marques recently arrived from Sporting Lisbon, and he could be thrown straight into the starting XI for the important season opener.

Pacos de Ferreira possible starting lineup:

A Ferreira; Silva, Baixinho, Maracas, Vigario; Santos, Eustaquio, Pires; Edenilson, Tanque, H Ferreira

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Junior; Queiros, Willian, Riccieli, Lima; Jaime, Assuncao, Tavares; B Rodrigues, Marques, I Rodrigues

We say: Pacos de Ferreira 2-1 Famalicao

While we are yet to see whether Pacos de Ferreira will be the same side without Pepa in charge, we still expect them to start the season with three points on Sunday.

Famalicao will threaten them with their array of attacking talent, but this strong Castores side should have enough to get over the line.