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

Both sides, who are separated by just two points, find themselves in the bottom half of the table after a rough start to the season and will be looking to end this dry spell.

Match preview

Vizela put on yet another defensive show of class last Sunday when they held Portimonense to an uneventful goalless draw at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao.

This was a fourth consecutive draw for the Vizelenses, who had taken points off Boavista, Gil Vicente and Pacos de Ferreira since a humbling 4-0 defeat at the hands of Vitoria de Guimaraes back in August.

Despite a string of solid performances in recent weeks, Alvaro Pacheco's side have failed to win all but one of their seven games so far, with a 2-1 victory over Tondela on August 14 being the only exception.

With seven points so far, the newly-promoted side are currently 11th in the Primeira Liga standings, and while they will be keen on ending their winless streak, next up is an opposing side who they have failed to defeat in each of their last four attempts since 2008.

Santa Clara, on the other hand, came from a goal down to salvage a late draw against Braga when they squared off at the Estadio de Sao Miguel last Sunday.

Os Arcebispos appeared headed for all three points after Paulo Oliveira put them ahead in the 71st minute, but 22-year-old Brazilian Lincoln came up clutch for the hosts as he restored parity with what was the final kick of the game.

This was a second consecutive draw for Os Acoreano who were also involved in a share of the spoils with Rio Ave in their Taca da Liga Group D opener last Wednesday.

Daniel Ramos's men have now failed to taste victory in each of their last three league outings, losing twice and picking up one draw since claiming their first victory of the season courtesy of a 1-0 win over Gil Vicente on August 29.

Following their poor run of results, Santa Clara are currently 17th on the log and this has been owing to their struggles in defence, where they boast the league's second-worst record with 15 goals already conceded.

Vizela Primeira Liga form:

Santa Clara Primeira Liga form:

Santa Clara form (all competitions):

Team News

Veteran forward Cassiano returned from a one-month injury spell as he was handed a 13-minute cameo against Portimonense last time out and we expect the Brazilian to come into the starting XI for the first time since August 22.

However, the duo of goalkeeper Pedro Silva and midfielder Hugues Zagbayou will continue their spells on the sidelines as they are currently recuperating from long term injuries.

Santa Clara will take to the pitch without the services of 29-year-old midfielder Costinha, who sustained an Achilles tendon injury in the clash against Moreirense back in August.

Pierre Sagna is a major doubt for Os Acoreanos after the full-back hobbled off the pitch with a 64th-minute injury against Braga last weekend.

Should the Frenchman fail to pass a fitness test, Julio Rodrigues could come into the mix for what will be just his second starting appearance this season.

Vizela possible starting lineup:

Charles; Kouao, Wilson, Fernandes, Afonso; Paulo, Claudemir; Zohi, Samu, Moreira; Schettine

Santa Clara possible starting lineup:

Pereira; Rodrigues, Gonzalez, Henrique, Mansur; Carvalho, Morita; Costa, Lincoln, Patric; Crysan

We say: Vizela 1-0 Santa Clara

Both sides have struggled to hit their strides so far and will head into the game seeking to pick up a win that can serve as a springboard for a fine run of form. Vizela have become a tough nut to crack in recent weeks and considering their impressive home record, we predict they will come away with a narrow win in this one.