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

The Portuguese Primeira Liga returns with a fresh set of absorbing fixtures as Boavista welcome Belenenses to the Estadio do Bessa on Sunday.

The hosts head into the game off the back of a disappointing exit from the Taca de Portugal while the visitors will be desperate to pick up their first win of the new campaign.

Match preview

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Boavista suffered a disappointing third-round exit from the Taca de Portugal last Sunday when they were steamrolled 4-0 by Segunda Liga side Rio Ave.

After Ze Manuel converted his 14th-minute penalty to hand the hosts a first-half lead, Gonçalo Rodrigues netted in the 73rd minute to double the advantage before substitute Gabrielzinho scored twice in a two-minute spell to cap off a brilliant team performance.

This performance was in keeping with their recent struggles in the Primeira Liga, where they have failed to pick up a win in any of their most recent five games since a 2-0 victory over Santa Clara on August 23

After securing a 12th-placed finish last season, Joao Pedro Sousa will feel content with his side's position in the table as they are currently eighth on the log after claiming two wins and four draws from their opening eight games.

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Meanwhile, Belenenses' wait for their first win of the season continues following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tondela when the sides met three weeks ago.

In an end-to-end affair at the Estadio Nacional do Jamor, Pedro Augusto struck just three minutes in to hand the visitors a first-half lead before Jhon Murillo made sure of the result when he scored for the second consecutive game in the 65th minute.

O Belem have now failed to taste victory in each of their last 13 outings across all competitions, picking up four draws and losing nine since a 3-1 win over Tondela back in May.

They are currently rooted to the bottom of the Primeira Liga table and their horrid start to the season has been owing to their struggles in attack when they boast the division's worst record with five goals scored to date.

Belenenses head into Monday's game off the back of progressing into the next round of the Taca de Portugal courtesy of a 2-1 extra-time win over Berco and manager Filipe Candido will hope that result can serve as a springboard for a fine run of form as they look to get their season up and running.

Team News

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Boavista will take to the pitch without the services of Miguel Reisinho after the Portuguese midfielder sustained a knee injury against Pacos de Ferreira on August 16.

Having recovered from an ankle injury, Reggie Cannon featured for the first time this season in the cup tie versus Rio Ave and the 23-year-old could be handed his first league appearance.

With five-goal involvements in eight outings, Gustavo Sauer has been on song for Os Axadrezados and we expect the Brazilian forward to handle business at the attacking end of the pitch once again.

Meanwhile, Candido will be unable to call upon the services of Sporting Lisbon loanee Rafael Camacho, who hobbled off with a 32nd-minute injury in the cup tie versus Berco last time out.

In his absence, Abel Camara could come in for his first start of the season after an impressive performance off the bench in the aforementioned game.

Chico Teixeira will also play no part in the game after the Portuguese midfielder picked up a knee injury against Pacos de Ferreira back in September.

Boavista possible starting lineup:
Beiranvand; Garcia, Porozo, Abascal; Malheiro, Nathan, Perez, Hamache; Njie, Musa, Sauer

Belenenses possible starting lineup:
Felipe; Carraca, Ribeiro, Phete, Akas, Varela; Camara, Boni, Coelho, Sousa; Safira

We say: Boavista 2-1 Belenenses

After a fine start to the season, Boavista have suffered a dip in form as they have failed to win each of their last five league games. While Belenenses will be looking to build on their cup win and pick up their first win of the season, they face an opposing side who are unbeaten in their last seven home games. We are backing Os Axadrezados to maintain this fine home form and claim all three points.