MX23RW : Thursday, March 4 15:27:05| >> :120:78145:78145:
Jan 30, 2021 at 3.30pm UK at Estadio da Madeira
NacionalNacional
2-1
FamalicaoFamalicao
Rochez (53'), Ramos (57')
Gorre (34'), Witi (37'), Borges (90+4'), Camacho (90+5'), Piscitelli (90+7')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Silva (33')
Ugarte (81')

Preview: Nacional vs. Famalicao - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Primeira Liga clash between Nacional and Famalicao, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Nacional host Famalicao in the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Saturday afternoon as both teams aim to move away from the relegation places.

The hosts put in one of their best performances of the season last time out, picking up a point away from home against Benfica, while Joao Pedro Sousa's men were defeated 1-0 by Vitoria de Guimaraes.


Match preview

Famalicao head coach Joao Pedro Sousa pictured in June 2020© Reuters

Bolso managed to pick up a point on the road on Monday after putting in an impressive display against a depleted Benfica side suffering from a coronavirus outbreak within the first-team squad.

The point could prove pivotal in their fight for survival as it moved them one point clear of the relegation playoff place.

Scoring goals has been the real issue for Luis Freire's side this season - in their opening 15 top-flight games in 2020-21, the Estadio da Madeira outfit have only put the ball in the back of the net on 13 occasions.

Freire will be hoping his side can harness the momentum from their positive result last time out and continue their rise up the Primeira Liga standings.

It has been an equally tough start to the current campaign for Famalicao as the two teams are level on points with only goal difference separating them.

The Estadio Municipal de Famalicao outfit appear to be suffering from a hangover following their sensational 2019-20 campaign.

Sousa's side finished sixth last season but have been unable to build on that fabulous finish this time around.

They are currently hovering just a place above Gil Vicente, who occupy the relegation playoff place, and will be seeing this weekend's encounter as the perfect opportunity to put some daylight between themselves and the drop zone.

Nacional Primeira Liga form: LWLLLD
Nacional form (all competitions): WLLLLD

Famalicao Primeira Liga form: DLLLWL


Team News

Famalicao players celebrate after scoring against Porto on June 3, 2020© Reuters

Twenty-six-year-old centre-forward Brayan Riascos is Nacional's only injury concern coming into this one.

Freire is likely to keep faith with the same starting XI that snatched a point at the Estadio da Luz, meaning Bryan Rochez is set to lead the line once again after bagging against Benfica.

Argentine midfielder Joaquin Pereyra is suspended for this upcoming clash after collecting five yellow cards already.

Centre-forward Leonardo Campana is the only other absentee for Famalicao after the 20-year-old picked up a hamstring injury.

Nacional possible starting lineup:
Guimaraes; Witi, Correia, Henrique, Souza; Borges; Gorre, Ramos, Koziello, Thill; Rochez

Famalicao possible starting lineup:
Vana; Patrick, Queiros, Babic, Vinagre; Ugarte, Lukovic; Dias, Kraev, Robert; Guedes


SM words green background

We say: Nacional 1-1 Famalicao

We expect it to be a tight, low-scoring affair between two evenly matched teams desperate not to let the other gain an advantage. They are both involved in a relegation scrap at the moment, and every point is precious, meaning they could be happy to settle for a draw.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:432605:cQx:QQ:

How you voted: Nacional vs Famalicao

Nacional
28.6%
Draw
71.4%
Famalicao
0.0%
7
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Did you know...?
Gil Vicente players Rodrigao and Denis challenge for the ball in July 2020
Read Next:
Sunday's Primeira Liga predictions including Gil Vicente vs. Maritimo
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rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sporting Lisbon21174042103255
2Braga21151539211846
3Porto21136245222345
4Benfica21126335171842
5Pacos de FerreiraPacos de Ferreira2111552820838
6Vitoria de GuimaraesGuimaraes2110562722535
7Santa ClaraSanta Clara218492323028
8MoreirenseMoreirense216872026-626
9TondelaTondela2173112234-1224
10BelenensesBelenenses2141071318-522
11Rio AveRio Ave215791625-922
12Nacional2156102028-821
13PortimonensePortimonense2155111826-820
14SC FarenseFarense2147102229-719
15Gil Vicente2154121627-1119
16FamalicaoFamalicao2147101832-1419
17Maritimo2153131930-1118
18BoavistaBoavista213992134-1318

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