Preview: Boavista vs. Tondela - prediction, team news, lineups

Boavista will be looking to claim all three points and boost their chances of survival when they host Tondela in the Primeira Liga on Friday evening.

This encounter at the Estadio do Bessa could be a feisty affair, as the Panthers have had a player dismissed in five of their last eight league matches, while a player has been sent off in two of Tondela's previous four games.

Match preview

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Boavista were unable to climb out of the bottom three last weekend as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw away at Santa Clara.

The Panthers were losing 2-1 and were reduced to 10 men when Nuno Santos was dismissed 25 minutes from time, however Jesualdo Ferreira's side fought back as an unfortunate own goal from goalkeeper Marco Pereira – who was unable to keep out Gustavo Sauer's free-kick – and a second goal of the game from Alberth Elis put them into the lead heading into stoppage time.

Boavista defended desperately in the dying moments but conceded in the 94th minute when Fabio Cardoso's header forced both teams to share the spoils at the Estadio de Sao Miguel.

That result leaves Ferreira's men occupying the relegation playoff position, with just two points separating them from safety and also two points from falling into the drop zone.

Boavista lost 3-1 away at Tondela in January but if they can secure all three points on Friday, then they could jump as high as 13th in the table.

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Tondela's three-game unbeaten run in the top-flight was ended last week when they lost 2-0 at home to Portuguese giants Benfica.

First-half strikes from Pizzi and Everton Soares were enough for the Eagles to claim all three points, with Pako Ayestaran's side losing for the 15th time this season.

That result sees Tondela remain in ninth place in the Primeira Liga, six points clear of Friday's opponents Boavista in the relegation playoff position.

Since the Gold and Greens were promoted to the top-flight in 2015-16, they have never finished above 11th in the table, but with just four matches remaining, a strong end to the campaign could see them finish as high as seventh.

Victory on Friday would be just their third away from home this season and could see them climb 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

Team News

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Boavista midfielder Miguel Reisinho remains out with an injury, as does former Manchester City and Benfica man Javi Garcia, while Santos is suspended after being shown two yellow cards in the last match.

Centre-back Jackson Porozo is set to keep his place in the side ahead of Cristian Devenish, while Ricardo Mangas and Yanis Hamache will be in competition to start at left wing-back.

At the other end of the pitch, forwards Elis and Angel Gomes are both likely to start and should offer plenty of threat in the final third.

Tondela winger Jhon Murillo, who missed the defeat against Benfica, is doubtful and will be assessed before kickoff.

Rafael Barbosa, who has scored just once since the turn of the year, could keep his place in the side if Murillo fails to recover.

Central midfielder Jaquite will be pushing to start in the middle of the pitch, but Joao Pedro and Jaume Grau are expected to keep their places in the first XI.

Boavista possible starting lineup:
Leonardo; Porozo, Rami, Awaziem; Cannon, Santos, Cafumana, Sauer, Mangas; Gomes, Elis

Tondela possible starting lineup:
Trigueira; Bebeto, Tavares, Alves, Ferreira; Pedro, Grau; Agra, Barbosa, Olabe; Gonzalez

We say: Boavista 2-2 Tondela

Securing all three points on Friday is crucial for Boavista in their quest to survive, while a win for Tondela could help them cement a top-half finish.

Both sides have struggled defensively in recent weeks and with little to separate the two teams, an entertaining score draw could be on the cards at the Estadio do Bessa.