Portimonense will play host to Boavista on Sunday in the first round of games in the new Primeira Liga season.
The two sides finished level on points last term, eventually finishing comfortably clear of the relegation zone in 13th and 12th spots respectively.
Match preview
Portimonense experienced a season of two halves in the Primeira Liga last time around, as they sat sixth after 15 games with seven wins and 24 points on the board.
Paulo Sergio's side were unable to carry that form into the new year though, as they went on to endure a 14-game winless run, picking up just six points between mid-December and early April and quickly sliding down the division as a result.
While they were never in real danger of relegation as a result of their strong first half to the season, Portimonense will certainly have been left disappointed by their final few months, but they were, at least, able to end on a positive note with a 1-0 away win over Maritimo on the final day thanks to Ewerton's goal.
Sergio's side then headed into a busy pre-season schedule, firstly losing to Monaco, Porto and Roma and drawing with Birmingham City, before turning their fortunes around and posting a run of impressive results as their preparations ramped up.
A 2-0 win over Sporting Lisbon was followed by a victory by the same scoreline against Braga, and, now on the back of triumphs over SC Covilha and Estoril Praia, Portimonense will look to kick off their league campaign with a three-point haul on home turf.
Their visitors will also arrive looking to kick the season off with a three-point haul on their travels on Sunday.
On the contrary to their opponents, Boavista found themselves fighting in the bottom half for the majority of last campaign, but a nine-game run producing 14 points across February, March and April ensured they were not dragged into the dogfight in the final run of games.
After heavy defeats to Maritimo and Sporting Lisbon and a win over Moreirense, Petit's side finished with draws against Vitoria de Guimaraes and Tondela, with Clinton Njie netting a late equaliser against the latter on the final day to seal a 12th-place finish, having pipped Sunday's opponents to that spot on goal difference.
Having only turned out twice officially in pre-season, firstly beating Trofense before drawing 3-3 with Boliviar and losing a penalty shootout, As Panters will aim to hit the ground running at the weekend and post an opening victory against a side they will likely be battling for similar positions with.
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Team News
Following the January departure of Aylton Boa Morte, who still finished as their top scorer last season, Portimonense will have to find a new source of goals this season, and, although Sergio will hope that new signing Bryan Rochez is the man to take that mantle, he is unavailable for selection at the weekend due to an injury.
In his absence, Wilinton Aponza could spearhead the front line, with Fabricio and Welinton Junior also being key men on the flanks given the lack of a prolific goalscorer in the squad.
Goalkeeper Samuel remains at the club despite ongoing rumours of an exit, and he should begin the new term between the sticks.
Boavista will also enter the new season without their top scorer from last season, as Petar Musa, who hit 12 goals in a loan spell from Slavia Prague, was signed permanently with As Panteras' option and immediately snapped up by Benfica.
Given that loss, Yusupha Njie should lead the line on Sunday, with Gustavo Sauer set to keep his place on the right flank after chipping in with 10 goals last term.
Kenji Gorre will also be keen to establish himself in the attack again this year, although he will face tough competition following Salvador Agra's arrival from Tondela.
Portimonense possible starting lineup:
Samuel; Moufi, Pedrao, Willyan, Relvas; Sa, Luquinha, Ewerton; Junior, Wilinton, Fabricio
Boavista possible starting lineup:
Bracali; Cannon, Nathan, Abascal, Sasso, Hamache; Sauer, Makouta, Vukotic, Agra; Njie
We say: Portimonense 2-1 Boavista
While pre-season cannot always be relied upon as a guide, Portimonense have looked impressive in recent weeks, and, coming in with momentum following four consecutive victories, we see Paulo Sergio's side taking all three points at the weekend.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Sam Varley
