After an extended break, Estrela Amadora will return to action this weekend, playing hosts to Braga in round 18 of Primeira Liga.
While the visitors were in Taca de Portugal action in midweek, the hosts come into this encounter with fresher legs, having last taken to the field on January 5.
Match preview
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Estrela's most recent outing was a Primeira Liga clash against Estoril Praia at Estadio Jose Gomes, which ended in a 4-2 defeat.
A sluggish start saw the Tricolours fall three goals behind just after the half-hour mark, as Xeka opened the scoring for the visitors in the 15th minute before Yanis Begraoui doubled the lead, with Tiago Gabriel's own goal in the 31st minute compounding the hosts' woes in a disastrous first-half display.
While a 57th-minute effort from Andre Luiz and a Rodrigo Pinho strike in the 70th minute appeared to offer Jose Faria's side a lifeline, Alejandro Marques put any hopes of a dramatic comeback to rest six minutes later.
That defeat ended Estrela's six-match unbeaten run on home turf, which included three consecutive wins, and they now sit 14th in the standings with 16 points from four wins, four draws and nine defeats, just one above the relegation playoff spot.
Aiming to steer clear of danger, the Star will seek their first-ever victory over this weekend's opponents, having lost two and drawn one of their three league meetings.
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Braga, on the other hand, will look to make amends for their disappointing 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture on August 11, when an 80th-minute strike from Kikas denied them a third consecutive win against Estrela after Amine El Ouazzani had given them the lead in the 57th minute.
The visitors head into this weekend's match fresh from a 2-1 cup victory against fourth-tier side Lusitano, securing progression to the next phase of the competition.
Their midweek triumph was a much-needed response to a disappointing Taca da Liga performance, where they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Benfica in what seemed like a revenge mission from the hosts.
The Archbishops had stunned the Reds with a 2-1 league victory at Estadio da Luz just four days earlier, a result that keeps them in the Conference League spot, albeit only above fifth-placed Santa Clara due to a superior goal difference.
With the second-best away record in the division, boasting six wins, one draw and one defeat, Braga will be aiming for maximum points this weekend, hoping their strong form on the road proves decisive.
Team News
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With no injuries or suspensions reported, Faria has a wealth of options at his disposal, with new loan signings Petterson and Till Cissokho potentially making the squad for the weekend.
Having missed the last match through suspension, Alan Ruiz will return to the squad and is likely to feature alongside Luiz in an advanced midfield role behind Kikas, who is expected to lead the line.
Like the hosts, Braga have no absentees, though they will be without Roberto Fernandez, who secured a loan move to Espanyol in midweek.
Ricardo Horta, who was on the scoresheet in the previous outing, is expected to retain his place alongside Fran Navarro and Bruma in a three-man attack.
Estrela Amadora possible starting lineup:
Brigido; Gabriel, Drame, Lima; Varela, Igor, Cordeiro, Veiga; Ruiz, Luiz; Kikas
Braga possible starting lineup:
Matheus; Gomez, Bambu, Niakate; Martinez, Gorby, Carvalho, Marin; Horta, Navarro; Bruma
We say: Estrela Amadora 1-3 Braga
Braga head into this encounter on the back of four consecutive away victories in the top flight, leaving them with the second-best away record in the division.
While Estrela have been solid at home, their recent loss to Estoril has exposed vulnerabilities, leaving them susceptible to the visitors, making a win for the Archbishops the most likely outcome.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
