Moreirense will look to build on their recent success as they resume Primeira Liga action, hosting Vitoria de Guimaraes in round 27.
The Green and Whites secured their first win under Cristiano Bacci before the international break, edging past Boavista 1-0, a result that lifted them to 10th place with 31 points.
Match preview
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Moreirense have shown steady improvement since Bacci’s appointment, extending their unbeaten run to three matches with that victory after drawing his first two games in charge.
Before the Italian took over, the Conegos had struggled for consistency, losing six of their previous 10 league outings and picking up just one win in that period, leading to Cesar Peixoto‘s dismissal.
Their recent upturn in form has seen them steer further away from danger, now sitting eight points clear of the relegation playoff spot, though matching last season’s tally of 55 points remains a daunting challenge.
With eight games left, Moreirense must win all their remaining fixtures to reach that mark, and with difficult trips to Porto and Sporting Lisbon still to come, the odds look stacked against them.
For now, their focus will be on the task at hand, and Bacci’s men will take confidence into Sunday’s clash, having beaten Vitoria 1-0 in their last home meeting.
The hosts have performed admirably in front of their fans this season, collecting 23 points from a possible 39, and will look to make that advantage count as they aim to move further clear of the drop zone.
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Vitoria arrive looking to extend their impressive league run, having gone seven matches unbeaten, with the last three yielding maximum points.
Their most recent victory, a 2-0 triumph over Estrela Amadora, was a timely response following their UEFA Conference League elimination, keeping their hopes alive for back-to-back European qualifications.
With 41 points from 10 wins, 11 draws and five defeats, Luis Freire‘s side sit sixth, just two points adrift of fifth-placed Santa Clara in the battle for continental spots.
Defensive solidity has been key to Vitoria’s impressive form, with five clean sheets in their last seven matches, a strength they will look to build on this weekend.
Having ended a nine-match winless league run on the road with victory over Boavista in their last away outing, the visitors have that as an extra boost heading to Moreirense.
Team News
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Moreirense welcome back Ivo Rodrigues from suspension after he missed the previous match due to accumulated yellow cards, providing Bacci with additional options in midfield and out wide.
Guilherme Schettine is available, but concerns over his fitness could see Luis Asue or Yan Maranhao lead the attack instead.
Sidnei Tavares has impressed off the bench in consecutive matches and could be rewarded with a start should Bacci opt for changes in midfield.
However, the hosts remain without Guilherme Liberato and Hernani Infande, as both continue their recovery from injury.
Joao Teixeira Mendes is suspended for the visitors after reaching the yellow card threshold, with Filipe Relvas likely to fill in as a makeshift left-back.
Telmo Arcanjo, who found the net again last time out, will be brimming with confidence after earning a couple of international caps during the break and will be eager to make an impact.
Samu has been performing well in midfield and could retain his place alongside Tomas Handel and Joao Mendes, keeping Tiago Silva on the bench.
Vitoria will also remain without Brazilian winger Gustavo Silva, who continues his recovery from a muscle injury that has sidelined him since mid-January.
Moreirense possible starting lineup:
Kewin; Buta, Marcelo, Maracas, Pinto; Ofori, Tavares, Alan; Teguia, Maranhao, Antonisse
Vitoria de Guimaraes possible starting lineup:
Varela; Relvas, Villanueva, Borevkovic, Maga; Handel, Mendes, Samu; Felix, Michel, Arcanjo
We say: Moreirense 1-1 Vitoria de Guimaraes
The visitors have found it tough on recent trips to Moreirense, winning just once in their last five visits, but their current form suggests they can take at least a point, making a low-scoring draw the most likely outcome.
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