Moreirense will be hoping to keep their strong run of form in the Primeira Liga going when they travel to face Vizela at Estadio Do Vizela on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts are currently in 17th place with 11 points after 14 league matches, while the visitors are on 25 points and in sixth place in the league standings.
Match preview
© Reuters
After making solid progress over the last couple of seasons, things have taken a huge dip for Vizela this term as they head into the match firmly placed in the relegation zone.
While just three points separate the bottom five in the league standings, the alarm bells would likely have got louder for Vizelenses since their 1-1 draw against third-bottom Rio Ave last week.
That result marked their fourth consecutive league match without a win, including two draws and two losses, while over the course of the campaign, they have still only recorded two victories.
One of the major drop-offs for the hosts this season has been their attacking output, currently on 14 goals in as many matches, which is the second-lowest tally in the top flight behind Casa Pia and Famalicao on 13 each.
In addition, they have managed just five points from a possible 21 at home this season and have lost four of their last five games while conceding two or more goals in four of those matches.
© Reuters
In contrast, Moreirense returned to the top flight this season, but it looks like they never left, coming into this match firmly set in the top half of the table.
The Green and Whites were given even more reason to cheer last week when they claimed an incredible 5-2 victory over Portimonense at home that saw them remain within touching distance of the European qualification spots.
That result also marked their seventh league win in 14 games this season and was their ninth consecutive match unbeaten, including six wins and three draws.
Paulo Alves's side currently boast the fourth-best away record in the division with 14 points in seven games, while the only loss they have conceded on the road was to league leaders Sporting Lisbon back in mid-September.
Team News
© Reuters
Bruno Wilson will not be available for the hosts in this one as he serves the last of his three-match ban for the straight red he received against Chaves at the start of the month.
Matias Lacava will join Wilson in the sin bin for his red card against Rio Ave last week, which could allow Tomas Silva an opportunity to make the staring 11 in the midfield.
Dinis Pinto returned to the starting lineup last week and should keep his place in the back line alongside Marcelo, Maracas and Pedro Amador.
Andre Luis notched his sixth goal of the season to give Moreirense the lead against Portimonense and will almost certainly lead the line again here, flanked by Madson and Joao Camacho.
Vizela possible starting lineup:
Buntic; Escoval, Anderson, Wilson; Silva, Samu, Nascimento, Ortiz, Pereira; Mendez, Essende
Moreirense possible starting lineup:
Kewin; Pinto, Maracas, Marcelo, Amador; Ofori, Wallisson; Camacho, Alan, Madson; Luis
We say: Vizela 1-2 Moreirense
Moreirense have defied all expectations this season and are putting together a truly special run of results, unbeaten in their last nine league matches, which included holding Benfica to a draw earlier this month. Vizela have lost four of their last five matches at home, and we feel they may add another loss to that record in this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
