Preview: Portimonense vs. Maritimo - prediction, team news, lineups

As for the Alvinegros, they will head into the weekend seeking to record a third consecutive victory over the visiting side and move into the top half of the Primeira Liga standings.

Match preview

Portimonense were sent crashing back to earth in the Primeira Liga as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Vitoria de Guimaraes when the sides squared off last Saturday.

In a drab affair at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques, 23-year-old forward Jota Silva scored from close range midway through the first half to hand the hosts a third win on the bounce.

Prior to that, Portimonense snapped their run of six consecutive games without a win in all competitions when they picked up a 1-0 victory over 10-man Pacos de Ferreira courtesy of a 98th-minute winner from Mauricio.

The Alvinegros have picked up seven wins, two draws and lost 11 of their 20 league outings to collect 23 points and sit 12th in the Primeira Liga standings, but could move level on points with eighth-placed Boavista with all three points this weekend.

Paulo Sergio's side will be backing themselves to return to winning ways as Saturday's game pits them against an opposing side who are winless in eight of the last nine meetings between the sides.

Maritimo, on the other hand, failed to move out of the relegation zone as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Braga when the sides met at the Estadio do Maritimo last Sunday.

In a game where Edgar Costa received his marching orders, Brayan Riascos struck in the 38th minute to put the hosts in front before Simon Banza and Uros Racic scored quick-fire goals to turn the game on its head.

O Maior das Ilhas have now lost each of their last three matches, scoring two goals and conceding six since a 1-0 victory over Estoril Praia on January 22.

While Maritimo will be looking to stop the rot, they have struggled for results away from home, where they are currently on a six-game winless run and have picked up just one victory in the league this season.

With 13 points from 20 matches, Jose Manuel Gomes's side are currently 17th in the league standings, two points off 16th-placed Santa Clara just outside the automatic relegation places.

Portimonense Primeira Liga form:

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Maritimo Primeira Liga form:

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Team News

Portimonense will take to the pitch without the services of Brazilian midfielder Carlinhos, who has been sidelined since last May through an ACL injury.

Anderson Oliveira has missed each of the last eight matches after sustaining an injury last December and the Brazilian midfielder is a major doubt for Saturday's tie.

Meanwhile, Maritimo will be without the services of Edgar, who is currently suspended after seeing red in last Sunday's game against Braga.

On the injury front, Gomes will be unable to call upon Portuguese midfielder Diogo Mendes, who sustained an ankle problem in December's games against Sporting Lisbon.

He is joined on the O Maior das Ilhas injury table by 22-year-old forward Geny Catamo, who has been out of action since October through a muscle problem.

Portimonense possible starting lineup:

Nakamura; Relvas, Pedrao, Lucas; Moufi, Diaby, Sa, Moreira, Seck; Rochez, Junior

Maritimo possible starting lineup:

Makaridze; Winck, Junior, Santos, Brito, Xadas; Beltrame, Soares, Vidigal; Moreno, Riascos

We say: Portimonense 2-0 Maritimo

Portimonense have picked up four points from their last two home games and will be looking to maintain this solid run. The Alvinegros have enjoyed a fine run of results against Maritimo and we are tipping them to come away with a slender victory in front of their home fans.

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