Saturday's Primeira Liga action gets underway at the Estadio dos Barreiros where Maritimo and Portimonense go head to head in a thrilling matchup.
While the visitors have won their last two games, O Maior das Ilhas head into the weekend on a run of three defeats from their opening three games of the new campaign and will be looking to end this dry spell.
Match preview
Maritimo hit another low in the new Primeira Liga campaign as they were on the receiving end of a 5-0 thrashing against Maritimo when the sides met last Sunday.
In a one-sided affair at the Estadio Municipal de Braga, five different players were on the scoresheet as Vitor Oliveira, Iuri Medeiros, Simon Banza, Abel Ruiz and Rodrigo Gomes found the target to hand the hosts an emphatic victory.
Vasco Seabra's men have now lost their opening three games of the season — their first time losing three consecutive league games since November 20201 — scoring twice and shipping 12 goals in that time.
Maritimo, who are one of just two sides yet to pick up any points after three games, have now failed to taste victory in any of their last seven league outings, managing two draws and losing five since April's 4-0 win over Boavista.
O Maior das Ilhas's poor form has been owing to their struggles on home turf, where they have managed just one competitive victory in 2022, losing six and picking up three draws in their 10 games since the turn of the year.
Meanwhile, after kicking off their Primeira Liga campaign with a slender 1-0 defeat against Boavista on August 7, Portimonense quickly found their feet as they strolled to a 3-0 victory over Pacos de Ferreira one week later.
Paulo Sergio's side made it two wins from two in the league for the first time since last November on Sunday when they saw off Vitoria de Guimaraes 2-1 in front of their home fans.
Following a drab first half at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao, Jota Silva put the visitors ahead right after the restart before Wellinton Junior and Yago Caju struck to turn the game on its head.
Portimonense, who currently sit fourth in the Primeira Liga standings, now take a trip to the Estadio dos Barreiros where they are currently on a two-game winning streak and are unbeaten in four of their last five visits.
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Team News
Maritimo will be without former Gil Vicente midfielder Joao Afonso, who awaits his debut as continues his return to full fitness after picking up an injury back in May.
He is joined on the club's injury table by the duo of Pedro Teixeira and Benfica loanee Rafael Brito, who both continue their long road to full fitness after suffering long-term injuries last year.
The hosts will also have to make do with the absence of Mozambican forward Clesio Bauque, who is set to sit out his fourth consecutive game through a muscle injury.
As for Portimonense, Sergio will be unable to call upon the Brazilian trio of Carlinhos, Gustavo Klismahn and 24-year-old Anderson Oliveira, who suffered a game-ending first half against Pacos de Ferreira two Mondays ago.
Bryan Rochez, who recently completed a move from Nacional, will play no part in this weekend's encounter due to injury, while Adewale Sapara is set to sit out his third consecutive game as he continues his spell on the sidelines.
Brazilian forward Caju has hit the ground running in the new campaign, and the 23-year-old, who has scored in the last two games, should lead the attack once again, teaming up with fellow countryman Junior in the final third.
Maritimo possible starting lineup:
Silva; Winck, Costa, Leo, Andrade; Mendes, Sousa; Costa, Beltrame, Vidigal; Tagueu
Portimonense possible starting lineup:
Samuel; Rocha, Pedrao; Relvas, Moufi, Moreira, Diaby, Sa, Seck; Junior, Caju
We say: Maritimo 0-2 Portimonense
After their opening-day defeat against Boavista, Portimonense have bounced back in style, winning their subsequent two outings. They head into the weekend full of confidence and we predict that they will make light work of a Maritimo side who are yet to find their feet this season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joshua Ojele
