Belenenses take to the pitch for the first time in two weeks this weekend when they play hosts Estoril Praia at the Estadio Nacional do Jamor on Saturday.

The hosts, who suffered a COVID-19 outbreak two weeks back, took on Benfica with just nine outfielded players last time out, while the visitors head into the game fresh off the back of a defeat away to Sporting Braga.

Match preview

© Reuters

Taking on the 37-time Portuguese champions is always a stern test for any opposing side, but Belenenses' task became more strenuous when they took to the pitch with just nine players.

A COVID-19 outbreak in the camp left the Lisbon-based club without 13 first-team players and four coaching staff, meaning manager Felipe Candido had to name his XI from his youth side, with reserve goalkeeper Joao Monteiro starting in defence.

Playing against a depleted opposing side, Benfica simply ran riot, opening the scoring after 24 seconds and netting seven goals before the interval before the game was abandoned and a walkover declared after an injury to three Belenenses players left the side with just six outfielders.

O Belem now head into Saturday's game with just one league victory this season, picking up five draws and losing five of their 11 games and this poor run of results sees them rooted to the bottom of the Primeira Liga standings.

While they have been somewhat solid at the back, this poor start to the season has been owing to the lethargic display of their frontmen, who boast the division's worst attacking record with seven goals scored to date.

However, with the game against Vizela being postponed, Belenenses now have two games in hand and will feel confident of moving away from the relegation zone in the coming weeks as there are just three points between them and Maritimo in 12th place.

© Reuters

On the other hand, newly-promoted Estoril Praia appear to have run out of steam as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of 10-man Braga last Saturday.

In a game where Lucas Mineiro received his marching orders, Ricardo Horta put on a fine individual performance as he netted a first-half brace to inspire Os Arcebispos to all three points.

Bruno Pinheiro's men have now failed to taste victory in any of their most recent four league games, picking up three draws and losing one since a 2-0 win over Portimonense on October 24.

However, in that time, the Canarinhos secured their place in the fifth round of the Taca de Portugal when they cruised to an emphatic 5-0 win over Serpa on November 21.

With 21 points from 13 games, the newly-promoted side are currently fifth on the log, four points behind Braga in the second Conference League qualification spot and seven behind Benfica in the Champions League playoff spot.

Estoril Praia now go up against an opposing side, who they are unbeaten against in 14 of the last 18 meetings between the sides, claiming six wins and eight draws in that time.

Team News

© Reuters

Belenenses have a host of first-team players available for selection once again after recently reovering from COVID-19.

Having played as a defender in the game against Benfica last time out, goalkeeper Joao Monteiro will return to the sidelines on Saturday with 24-year-old Danny handling business at the heart of the defence.

Meanwhile, Estoril Praia will be without the services of defender Lucas Africo, who sustained a season-ending injury in November's game against Vizela.

Other than that, Pinheiro has a full strength squad at his disposal and we expect the Portuguese manager to name his strongest XI on Saturday.

With eight goal involvements in 12 games, Andre Franco has been crucial for Estoril Praia and we expect the 23-year-old to start at the centre of the park once again.

Belenenses possible starting lineup:
Monteiro; Boni, Henrique, Santos, Calila; Ramalho, Kau, Montez, Lopes; Coelho, Lukovic

Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Felipe; Tavares, Danny, Ribeiro; Carraca, Phete, Lukovic, Akas; Sousa, Camara, Nuno

We say: Belenenses 1-1 Estoril Praia

Estoril Praia will be seeking to arrest their slump in form and continue their fine start to the season when they face a struggling Belenenses side. The hosts head into the game with in decent form, claiming two wins from their last four games, and we predict they will take a cautious approach to the game and force a share of the spoils.

Previews by email