Preview: Belenenses vs. Arouca - prediction, team news, lineups

On a run of five consecutive defeats across all competitions, Belenenses play host to Arouca in round 17 of the Primeira Liga at the Estadio Nacional do Jamor on Sunday.

The visitors, on the other hand, are without a win in any of their most recent four games, picking up just one point in that time, and will be seeking to end this dry spell.

Match preview

© Reuters

Struggling Belenenses once again failed to kick off their New Year on a high as they were beaten 2-0 by Vizela at the Estadio do FC Vizela last Sunday.

After Kiko Bondoso and Cassiano put the hosts two goals up inside the opening 30 minutes, Filipe Candido's men upped the ante and were on the front foot for most of the game but were let down by a wasteful display from their frontmen who failed to convert any of several clear-cut chances.

Belenenses have now failed to taste victory in any of their most recent five games across all competitions, losing four while seeing their Taca de Portugal campaign come to an end after losing on penalties against Rio Ave on December 23.

O Belem have won just one, drawn five and lost nine of their 15 Primeira Liga games to claim eight points which sees them rooted to the bottom of the league table, six points adrift of Arouca just outside the relegation zone.

Like the game against Vizela, where they controlled proceedings but had nothing to show for it in attack, Belenenses' miserable campaign can be pinned to their lack of firepower up top as they have scored just seven goals to date — the least of all 20 teams in the division.

Meanwhile, Arouca failed to move into the top half of the Primeira Liga standings as they were humbled 6-0 at home by a spirited Braga side last time out.

In a one-sided affair at the Estadio Municipal de Arouca, 21-year-old forward Vitor Oliveira turned in a performance of the highest quality as he scored a first-half hat-trick before winning a penalty in the second half to inspire Os Arcebispos to all three points.

Arouca head into Sunday's game winless in any of their last four games, losing three and conceding 13 goals since a 2-1 win over Boavista on November 27.

With 14 points from 16 games, Armando Evangelista's side are currently 15th in the Primeira Liga standings, two points above Moreirense in the relegation playoff spot and three above 17th-place Famalicao who have a game in hand.

Their poor campaign so far has been down to their frailties at the defensive end of the pitch, a key area in need of strengthening as they have conceded the third-most goals so far with 31.

Team News

O Belem will have to cope with the absence of the Portuguese duo of Chico Teixeira, who picked up an injury back in September, and Rafael Camacho, who is set to sit out his fourth straight game through a muscle problem.

Veteran midfielder Sandro came off injured in the Taca de Portugal win over Caldas back in November and the 32-year-old will play no part in Sunday's game.

Fellow midfielder Jordan van der Gaag is also out of contention as the Dutchman continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a severe injury back in April.

As for Arouca, the midfield duo of Pedro Moreira and Moses Yaw continue their spells on the sidelines through knee and muscle injuries respectively.

Brazilian goalkeeper Fernando Augusto has been out of action since October's game against Sporting Lisbon after picking up a muscle problem, meaning Victor Braga will continue to handle business between the sticks.

Veteran midfielder Marco Soares has joined up with the Cape Verde national team at the Africa Cup of Nations, while defender Jose Manuel Velazquez misses out through a severe knee problem that has kept him sidelined since September.

Belenenses possible starting lineup:
Felipe; Varela, Ribeiro, Carraca, Tavares; Calila, Phete, Akas; Safira, Nuno, Ndour

Arouca possible starting lineup:
Braga; Thales, Basso, Campi, Quaresma; Silva, Eboue, Kouassi; Bukia, Nunes, Dabbagh

We say: Belenenses 1-1 Arouca

Arouca suffered a 6-0 mauling at the hands of Braga last time out and will be seeking to restore some pride in this one. We expect both sides to take the game to each other and this makes for an exciting affair, but we anticipate the spoils will be shared as they are evenly matched on paper.

Previews by email