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

Having lost each of their last two games, Pacos de Ferreira will be aiming to return to winning ways when they take a trip to the Estadio Municipal de Portimao Stadium to face Portimonense on Sunday.

The two sides have proven inseparable over the last 10 years, in which five of their last nine meetings have ended in stalemates, including both of last season's meetings.

Match preview

© Reuters

Portimonense returned to winning ways in fine fashion as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Tondela at the Estadio Joao Cardoso last Sunday.

While Tondela saw over 60% of the ball possession, they lacked sting in front of goal compared to the Alvinegros, who converted three of their five shots on target with goals coming from Beto, Aylton Boa Morte and Fali Cande.

There was an evident hunger from the Portimonense attackers, who were lethargic in the previous game where they suffered a 1-0 defeat against an unconvincing Gil Vicente side, while also managing three shots on target from 18 attempts in their league opener against Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Paulo Sergio will hope his side can keep the ball rolling and get one over a resilient Pacos de Ferreira side who are unbeaten in their most recent four encounters between the sides, dating back to a 3-1 defeat three years ago.

Meanwhile, Pacos de Ferreira saw their hopes of qualifying for the maiden edition of the Conference League dashed on Thursday when they lost 3-0 against Tottenham Hotspur in London.

The Portuguese outfit went into the game looking to replicate their first-leg heroics, where they stunned the English side to a 1-0 win, but English forward Harry Kane, who recently ended his transfer saga by opting to remain at the club, hit a first-half brace to put Tottenham in a commanding position before Giovani Lo Celso wrapped things up in the 70th minute.

Back at home, Os Castores were condemned to a second straight Primeira Liga defeat when they were beaten 3-1 by Estoril Praia on Monday.

With the scores level at half time, Andre Franco and Joaozinho scored in a three-minute spell to hand the newly-promoted side their second win of the season and maintain their unbeaten run.

After securing a fifth-placed finish last season, Jorge Simao's men have started the new league campaign on the back pedal and will have to change their fortunes sooner rather than later if they aim to achieve last season's feat.

Team News

Following an unproductive loan spell in Japan, 31-year-old forward Fabricio has returned to Portimonense, but he will miss Sunday's game after coming off with a 39th-minute injury in the game against Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Considering last week's convincing and injury-free display against Tondela, Sergio has no major reason to alter his newfound 4-1-4-1 formation, meaning Beto could lead the attack while William Rocha shields the back four once again.

Meanwhile, French midfielder Mohamed Diaby sustained an calf injury in this same fixture back in February and remains out of contention for Pacos de Ferreira.

Twenty-five-year-old defender Joao Vigario is still recuperating from injury after coming off just before half time against Larne in the Conference League qualifiers three weeks ago.

However, Os Castores will be boosted by the return of fellow defender Maracas, who played the whole 90 minutes against Tottenham after missing the previous four games through injury.

Portimonense possible starting lineup:
Samuel; Moufi, Possignolo, Willyan, Relvas; Rocha; Fernandes, Sa, Oliveira, Boa Morte; Beto

Pacos de Ferreira possible starting lineup:
Ferreira; Fonseca, Baixinho, Ramos, Silva; Santos, Pires, Ibrahim; Matchoi, Pedro, Uilto

We say: Portimonense 2-1 Pacos de Ferreira

While Pacos de Ferreira have so far failed to impress, they have the wherewithal needed to get the job done. Portimonense, on the other hand, appear to have hit their stride and will be looking to put together a fine run of form and strengthen their position in the top half of the table.

We expect the visitors to put up a fight, but we are tipping Portimonense make use of their home advantage and claim all three points.