A massive three points will be on the line when SC Farense welcome Santa Clara to Estadio de Sao Luis this Saturday for a crucial clash on the final day of the Primeira Liga season.
The hosts enter this match with their top-flight survival hanging in the balance, while the visitors are aiming to make a last-ditch push to secure a spot in Europe next season.
Match preview
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We are in for a thrilling weekend in the Primeira Liga, with the title race, European qualification, and the battle to avoid relegation, all still wide open as the season reaches its dramatic conclusion.
Farense remain firmly in the thick of the relegation scrap, currently the first side below the dotted line, but a pair of crucial recent victories have given them momentum and kept their survival hopes very much alive heading into the final weekend.
The Lions of Faro pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Vitoria Guimaraes last weekend, mirroring their dramatic turnaround against Famalicao the week before, while marking the first time this season that they have recorded back-to-back league victories.
Dario Poveda has emerged as the hero for Toze Marreco's side over the last couple of weeks, delivering dramatic stoppage-time winners in each of their last two matches to secure vital victories and keep the team in the hunt for survival.
However, while Farense carry momentum into this game, nerves are sure to linger, as the win against Fama was their first at Estadio de Sao Luis since the end of November and came after a dismal run of six consecutive home matches without scoring.
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Meanwhile, Santa Clara's goal for the final match of the season is quite different, as they are aiming to cap off an incredible return to the top flight not just by surviving but also by potentially earning a coveted European spot.
Os Acorianos have their upcoming opponents to thank for their strong position heading into the final day, as Farense's victory over Vitoria last week allowed them to draw level on 54 points with Os Vimaranenses.
Vasco Matos's side secured their 16th win of the season with a 2-1 home victory over Famalicao last weekend, thanks to a brace from Wendell - a result that extended their unbeaten run to four matches (W2 D2), which is their longest stretch without defeat in the top flight this season.
While the visitors have managed just one win in their last six away league outings, they will arrive in Faro knowing that a point could be enough to break into the top five, given that Vitoria are facing the daunting task of travelling to Estadio Jose Alvalade to take on title-chasing Sporting.
Team News
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Farense will have to cope without the services of Artur Jorge, who is suspended after receiving his 10th domestic yellow card of the season during a late cameo off the bench against Vitoria last weekend.
Kaique Pereira will continue in goal with Ricardo Velho sidelined as he prepares to undergo knee surgery, Elves Balde remains a doubt, while Poveda's late-game heroics in recent weeks could well see him rewarded with a place in the starting 11.
In last week's heated clash with Famalicao, six of Santa Clara's starting 11 were cautioned, while Sidney Lima was sent off and will play no part in the final match of the season due to suspension.
Additionally, MT and Diogo Calila both crossed the yellow card threshold in the same match, meaning the visitors will be without three of their first-choice defenders for this crucial season finale.
SC Farense possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Victor, Moreno, Africo, Pastor; Neto, Falcao, Justo; Poveda, Costa, Lopes
Santa Clara possible starting lineup:
Batista; Frederico, Rocha, Silva; Edney, Firmino, Araujo, Soares; Ricardinho, Wendel, Lopes
We say: SC Farense 1-1 Santa Clara
It all comes down to this match, and while both teams would undoubtedly give anything for a win here, they will also be expecting a titanic battle considering what three points could mean on the final day.
With both clubs in solid form, we feel that this one will end all square at the final whistle, which may not be the worst outcome for either side, given the wider context of the final weekend's fixtures.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Devesh Jaganath
