Two teams enjoying unbeaten runs will go head-to-head this Saturday as Estoril Praia welcome Rio Ave for round 23 of the Primeira Liga.
The hosts enter the encounter sitting eighth in the league standings with 31 points, having gone seven games without defeat, while the visitors' streak is shorter at five across all competitions.
Match preview
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Yet to suffer a loss this year, Estoril's most recent setback feels like a distant memory, dating back to late December when they fell 3-0 against Benfica.
Since then, the Canaries have been in scintillating form, sandwiching five consecutive victories between two draws — the latest being a 2-2 result on their trip to Nacional.
What initially looked like a comfortable ride towards a sixth straight triumph quickly turned into a battle to preserve their unbeaten streak, as Andra Lacximicant's early opener was overturned into a one-goal deficit, with only a 93rd-minute strike from Felix Bacher salvaging a point.
Estorilistas' impressive run has been fuelled by their efficiency in the final third, netting 16 times in their last seven outings and scoring at least twice in six of those — a stark contrast to their preceding six matches, where they failed to find the net in four and picked up just five points.
Looking to get back to winning ways, Estoril welcome a side they have drawn against in their last two meetings, including a 2-2 scoreline in the reverse fixture in September, though they can take confidence from their most recent home clash with Rio Ave, which ended in a 2-0 victory.
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Meanwhile, Rio's recent form has been commendable, with just one loss in their last nine outings across all competitions, remaining unbeaten in the most recent five — four of which have come in the league.
While the visitors have proven difficult to beat, they have struggled to convert draws into victories, with their current undefeated streak in the Primeira Liga producing just one win.
This trend was evident in their latest outing, as Demir Ege Tiknaz's 62nd-minute strike salvaged a 1-1 draw at Estadio dos Arcos against relegation-threatened AVS.
That result extended Rio's winless league run to three matches, leaving them 11th in the standings with 26 points, seven clear of the relegation playoff spot.
To return to winning ways, Vilacondenses must secure their first away victory over Estoril since November 2017, when they triumphed 2-0, though their two visits since then have ended in a draw and a defeat.
However, Rio's record on the road this season does not inspire much confidence, having managed just two wins in 11 league outings, their eight points making them the sixth-worst travellers in the division.
Team News
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Having emerged unscathed from their encounter against Nacional, Canarinhos approach the weekend with a clean bill of health, giving Ian Cathro the luxury of a near full-strength squad, with Lacximicant set to lead the line again after a productive outing last weekend.
On the plus side, 22-year-old defender Kevin Boma returns to the squad after missing the previous match through suspension.
Meanwhile, Rio will be without Martim Neto, who is suspended for accumulating yellow cards after his late booking against AVS.
Aside from that, Petit has a fully fit squad at his disposal and is expected to stick with a similar starting XI to the one that faced AVS, with Clayton leading the attack, supported by an advanced midfield trio featuring Ole Pohlmann in the centre, while Tiago Morais and Kiko Bondoso operate from the flanks.
Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Robles; Boma, Pedro Alvaro, Bacher; Garcia, Holsgrove, Xeka, Pina; Joao Carvalho, Lacximicant, Begraoui
Rio Ave possible starting lineup:
Miszta; Vrousai, Ntoi, Abbey, Richards; Tiknaz, Bakoulas; Morais, Pohlmann, Bondoso; Clayton
We say: Estoril Praia 2-1 Rio Ave
This encounter has the mark of a tightly contested battle, with both sides showing resilience in recent times, but we expect Estoril to edge it, given they are in a more explosive form, with Rio's poor away record also playing a factor.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
