Preview: Tondela vs. Vizela - prediction, team news, lineups

Having squared off against two of the three biggest sides in Portugal last week, Vizela take a trip to the Estadio Joao Cardoso on Saturday to lock horns with Tondela.

The hosts, on the other hand, head into the game on a four-game unbeaten run across all competitions and will look to keep the juggernaut rolling and move into the top half of the table.

Match preview

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After a rough start to the season, where they picked up just one win from their opening seven games in all competitions, Tondela appear to have turned a corner in recent weeks.
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Their impressive turnaround was highlighted by their resilient display in the game against Santa Clara last Sunday when they fought back from two goals down to salvage a thrilling 2-2 draw away from home.
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In an end-to-end affair at the Estadio de Sao Miguel, after falling behind to first-half goals from Rui Costa and Ricardinho, Paco Ayestaran's side rallied in the second half as substitute Juan Manuel Boselli struck twice in the final 14 minutes to force a share of the spoils.
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Tondela head into Sunday's game on a four-game unbeaten streak across all competitions — their longest run without a defeat this season — claiming two wins and two draws.
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CTD Auriverdes have won five games, drawn two and lost 11 from 18 games this season to collect 17 points and this has seen them rise to 12th place in the Primeira Liga table, four places and one point above the relegation zone.
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Vizela, on the other hand, failed to pull clear of the relegation places as they were beaten 2-0 by Portuguese heavyweights Sporting Lisbon last time out.
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After going two goals up courtesy of first-half strikes from Pedro Goncalves and Daniel Braganca, the reigning champions protected their lead in the second half to see out a comfortable win at the Estadio do FC Vizela.
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This followed a 3-1 defeat at the hands of a rampant Porto side on January 12, when Mateus Uribe, Fabio Vieira and Evanilson scored to send them crashing out of the Taca de Portugal in the quarter-finals.
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Alvaro Pacheco's men have now lost each of their last three outings in all competitions, conceding six goals and scoring just one since a 2-0 victory over Belenenses in their opening game of the New Year.
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With 16 points from 18 games, Vizela are currently 16th on the log, five points above rock-bottom Belenenses and level on points with fellow strugglers Famalicao and Moreirense.

Team News

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Tondela remain without the services of Portuguese defender Jota Goncalves, who has been out of action since last September after sustaining a severe knee injury.

Other than that, the CTD Auriverdes have no injury or suspension concerns heading into Saturday's game and following his side's resilient display against Santa Clara last time out, Ayestaran could name a similar starting lineup on Saturday.

However, Boselli staked his claim for a starting role in the aforementioned game after coming off the bench to score twice and the 22-year-old could be rewarded with just his second starting appearance of the season.

Meanwhile, Vizela will take to the pitch without the services of Portuguese defender Ivanildo Fernandes, who has been sidelined since November's game against Braga through a groin problem.

Brazilian midfielder Claudemir returned from a nine-game injury lay-off against Sporting Lisbon last time out and we expect the 33-year-old to retain his spot in the XI.

Tondela possible starting lineup:
Silva; Kouao, Wilson, Aidara, Ofori; Claudemir, Paulo, Mendez; Cassiano, Bondoso, Schettine

Vizela possible starting lineup:
Trigueira; Almeida, Manu, Sagnan, Borges; Dantas, Augusto; Bebeto, Agra, Boselli; Dasdov

We say: Tondela 1-0 Vizela

After stumbling into the season, Tondela appear to have found their feet in recent weeks, claiming two wins and two draws from four games. Next up is a floundering Vizela side who have lost four of their last five games in all competitions and we are backing CTD Auriverdes to come out with a narrow win in this one.

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