Preview: Pacos de Ferreira vs. Portimonense - prediction, team news, lineups

On a run of three consecutive draws, Pacos de Ferreira play host to Portimonense at the Estadio da Mata Real in round 21 of the Primeira Liga on Saturday.

The Alvinegros, on the other hand, head into the game on a run of six games without a win and will be looking to end this dry spell and strengthen their position in the top half of the table.

Match preview

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Pacos de Ferreira were involved in a share of the spoils for the third game on the spin in the Primeira Liga last Monday when they were held to a goalless draw by Estoril Praia.

In a game where clear-cut chances were at a premium, Cesar Peixoto's men's struggles at the attacking end of the pitch were on display once again as they were guilty of a lack of cutting-edge in the final third and failed to really threaten the hosts.

The Pacenses have now failed to taste victory in any of their last four games, losing one and claiming three draws since a 2-1 win over Santa Clara in their final game of 2021.

They have also managed just two wins in their last 14 outings across all competitions and this has been owing to their lack of sting in attack, where they boast the division's second-poorest record with 14 goals.

With 20 points from 20 games so far, Pacos de Ferreira are 12th in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with Tondela and three above Famalicao in the relegation playoff spot.

Meanwhile, Portimonense were left empty-handed once again as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Tondela at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao.

In a game where Filipe Relvas received his marching orders, Paulo Sergio's side collapsed in the closing 10 minutes as Iker Undabarrena cancelled out Ivan Angulo's first-half opener in the 80th minute before Juan Manuel Boselli completed the comeback eight minutes later.

The Portimao-based outfit have now failed to taste victory in any of their last five games since seeing off Famalicao on penalties in the Taca de Portugal on December 12, losing four and claiming one draw in that time.

This poor run has been in no small part owing to their lack of defensive sturdiness as they have conceded 13 goals in that time, while scoring seven at the opposite end of the pitch.

For all their struggles, Portimonense could still rise to sixth place in the standings with all three points on Saturday having picked up 25 points after 20 rounds of matches.

Team News

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Pacos de Ferreira will have to make do without the services of Portuguese defender Jorge Silva, who picked up an injury in December's game against Tondela.

Fellow countryman Joao Vigario will also play no part in Saturday's game as he continues his spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee problem back in August.

Another name on the Pacenses' injury table is Flavio, who picked up an injury against Tondela back in December.

Portimonense, meanwhile, will take to the pitch without Filipe Relvas after the 22-year-old picked up a straight red in the game against Tondela last time out.

In his absence, Lucas Possignolo should come into the fold and handle business at the heart of the defence alongside fellow countryman Pedrao.

On the injury front, Portimonense remain without the services of Achraf Lazaar, who has been out of action since last September through a fibula injury.

Pacos de Ferreira possible starting lineup:
Ferreira; Antunes, Lima, Baixinho, Delgado; Carlos, Pires; Uliton, Uilton, Santos; Denilson

Portimonense possible starting lineup:
Samuel; Possignolo, Pedrao, Rocha, Gomes; Fernandes, Oliveira, Angulo, Eweton; Nakajima, Aponza

We say: Pacos de Ferreira 2-0 Portimonense

Both sides have seen their form dip since the start of the year and will be looking to find their feet. The hosts head into the game unbeaten in their last five games against the visitors, claiming two wins and three draws in that time. While we expect a thrilling contest, we are tipping the hosts to come away with all three points.

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