With their chances of a top-half Primeira Liga finish slipping away, Moreirense are set to host Estoril Praia at Parque Desportivo Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas on Sunday.
Os verdes e brancos will be looking to end their four-game winless run this weekend, while Os Canarinhos will be hoping to bounce back after their defeat last time out.
Match preview
Cristiano Bacci helped Moreirense secure their future in the top flight with a five-game unbeaten streak during his first few weeks in charge, but after losing three and drawing just one of their last four, they will be keen to get back on track and end the campaign strongly.
Most recently, Os verdes e brancos were beaten 3-1 by Europa League-chasing Porto, and though the result was not unexpected, the manager will be frustrated with the fact that his team surrendered the lead that Yan Maranhao gave them around the half hour mark.
Dropping three points last Friday has left Bacci’s side 11th in the table with 36 points, six behind their ninth-placed opponents and eighth-placed Casa Pia.
With two games to play, the hosts will have to record back-to-back league victories for the first time since October if they are to be in with a chance of making the top half, but considering that they have won just once at home since mid-February, the odds are stacked against them.
Moreirense’s 10th win of the season would be enough to see them leapfrog Rio Ave and move up to 10th place, but anything less would end their slim hopes of making the top nine this term.
Meanwhile, Ian Cathro‘s Estoril enjoyed a particularly strong start to 2025 that featured five wins on the bounce, but it would be fair to say that they have slowed down given that they head into this weekend with two wins, two draws and five losses from their nine most recent matches.
Last Saturday, Os Canarinhos lost 2-1 on their own turf to title-chasing Benfica, but the boss will at least be pleased that his XI remained competitive against such high-calibre opposition, with both teams registering 10 shots.
Falling to their 12th defeat of the campaign dropped Cathro’s side down to ninth in the Primeira Liga with 42 points, two behind seventh-placed Famalicao, who occupy the highest spot that Estoril can reach this season.
Aiming to close that gap on Sunday, the visitors will take confidence from the fact that they have lost just two of their nine away games this year, drawing two and winning the other five, including a 3-1 triumph over Casa Pia at the end of April.
Should Estoril earn maximum points for only the third time in almost three months, then they may go into the final matchday having overtaken both Casa Pia and Famalicao, though defeat could contribute to them dropping into the bottom half if they also go on to lose against Estrela Amadora next weekend.
Team News
Moreirense will welcome attacking midfielder Bernardo Martins back into the XI after he served a suspension for accumulating yellow cards, and given that both Sidnei Tavares and Ivo Rodrigues are doubts for this weekend, the manager will be thankful.
If Tavares and Rodrigues miss out, expect to see Alan drop back into a deeper role alongside 18-year-old Afonso Assis, with Martins operating just ahead of them behind striker Yan Maranhao and combining with regular attacking substitute Luis Asue.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper Caio Secco required six stitches after a collision with Porto forward Danny Namaso towards the end of last Friday clash, and though he may feature, Kewin will be ready to step in if necessary.
Similarly, Estoril midfielder Jandro Orellana was taken off with an injury against Benfica and is a doubt for Sunday’s game, so Jordan Holsgrove, who missed that match through suspension, should start in his place.
Also returning to the line up will be right wing-back Wagner Pina, who has been absent due to a red card he picked up against Casa Pia, and he will provide width along with Pedro Amaral.
Moreirense possible starting lineup:
Kewin; Pinto, Marcelo, Maracas, Frimpong; Alan, Assis; Teguia, Martins, Jorquera; Maranhao
Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Robles; Boma, Bacher, Alvaro; Pina, J Carvalho, Holsgrove, Zanocelo, Amaral; Begraoui, Lacximicant
We say: Moreirense 1-1 Estoril Praia
Moreirense could be motivated by the potential of chasing a top-half finish, knowing that they need to win to make their ambitions into reality.
That being said, while both Os verdes e brancos and Estoril have slowed down in the closing stages of the season, the hosts have proven difficult to beat at home and the visitors have been resilient away, so expect an even contest.
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