Preview: Santa Clara vs. Vizela - prediction, team news, lineups

The Vizelenses kept their hopes of a spot in Europe alive with another resounding performance last weekend and will journey to the Estadio de Sao Miguel looking to continue in the same vein.

Match preview

Santa Clara were no match for Sporting Lisbon when the sides locked horns at the Estadio Jose Alvalade last weekend as they were steamrolled 3-0 by Ruben Amorim's side.

Paulinho and Barcelona loanee Francisco Trincao scored in an eight-minute spell to hand the Leoes a commanding lead heading into halftime before Marcus Edwards completed the rout with a 52nd-minute effort.

Santa Clara have now lost their last seven matches and are winless in 17 consecutive games across all competitions, losing 14 and claiming three draws since November's 3-1 win over Estoril Praia.

With 15 points from 26 matches, Danildo Accioly's men are currently rooted to the bottom of the Primeira League standings, four points adrift of 16th-placed Maritimo in the relegation playoff spot.

Having finished seventh last season, Santa Clara's underwhelming campaign has been owing to their horror display at the attacking end of the pitch, where they are currently the league's poorest side with just 17 goals scored so far.

Following their defeat against Sporting, the Azores outfit have now failed to score in three consecutive games and 13 of their 26 league outings so far - with only Portimonense (14) scoring in fewer games.

Vizela, on the other hand, extended their unbeaten run against Casa Pia to six games last time out when they came from behind to pick up a 3-1 victory against Filipe Martins's men at the Estadio do FC Vizela.

After taking the lead courtesy of Rafael Martins's 25th-minute strike, own goals from Nermin Zolotic and Joao Nunes put the hosts in front before substitute Friday Etim put the result beyond reach in the 87th minute.

The Vizelenses head into the weekend on a run of three wins in their last four matches, seeing off Estoril Praia, Portimonense and Casa Pia, with March's 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Braga being the exception.

With 35 points from 26 games, Vizela are currently eighth in the league standings, six points behind fifth-placed Arouca in the final Conference League qualification spot.

Making just their second-ever top-flight appearance following their promotion at the end of the 2019-20 campaign, Manuel Tulipa's side will be looking for a strong close to the season as they eye a first appearance in Europe.

Vizela, who have picked up two wins and one draw in their last three away games, are currently eighth in the league standings, six points behind Arouca in the Conference League qualification spot.

While the Vizelenses will be looking to make it three wins on the trot, they face the challenge of taking on a Santa Clara side who they have failed to defeat in their last seven meetings, losing four and claiming three draws since November 2008.

Santa Clara Primeira Liga form:

L

L

L

L

L

L

Vizela Primeira Liga form:

D

L

W

L

W

W

Team News

Santa Clara remain without the services of Marco Rocha and Tomas Domingos, who have been sidelined through hamstring and knee injuries respectively.

Portuguese forward Ricardinho is also set to sit out his fourth consecutive game after picking up a muscle injury in the 3-1 defeat against Vitoria de Guimaraes on March 5.

Meanwhile, Vizela remain without 26-year-old defender Bruno Wilson, who has missed the last three matches after coming off injured in March's game against Estoril Praia.

Kiki Afonso missed last week's victory over Casa Pia after coming off injured midway through the first half against Portimonense on March 18 and the left-back, who has started 22 matches this season, is ruled out of Friday's game.

Ivanildo Fernandes is also a doubt for the Vizelenses after coming off injured against Casa Pia, meaning 26-year-old Mohamed Aidara could form the centre-back pairing with experienced defender Anderson.

Santa Clara possible starting lineup:

Batista; Sagna, Nogueira, Firmino, Henrique; Almeida, Bobsin, Misao; Silva, Tagawa, Allano

Vizela possible starting lineup:

Buntic; Silva, Anderson, Fernandes, Pereira; Ortiz, Guzzo; Bondoso, Samu, Moreira; Osmajic

We say: Santa Clara 0-2 Vizela

Vizela will be licking their lips as they take on league strugglers Santa Clara who are currently out of their depth. The Vizelenses have put together a fine run of form in recent weeks and we are backing them to end their winless run against the home side.

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