MX23RW : Wednesday, January 27 04:22:32| >> :600:134828:134828:
Nov 29, 2020 at 5.30pm UK at Estádio do Bessa
BoavistaBoavista
0-0
BelenensesBelenenses

Garcia (90')
FT

Caue (14'), Henrique (15'), Varela (61'), Cardoso (90')

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

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Primeira Liga clash between Boavista and Belenenses, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Boavista and Belenenses square off in Primeira Liga on Sunday evening looking to move further away from the relegation zone.

While Boavista sit just one point above the bottom two, Belenenses have failed to win any of their last half-a-dozen fixtures.


Match preview

Belenenses head coach Petit pictured in June 2020© Reuters

With Boavista scoring just 28 goals in Portugal's top flight last season, new boss Vasco Seabra has ensured that his side possess a greater threat in the attacking third.

However, despite netting 10 goals from their opening seven fixtures, Os Axadrezados currently have the worst defensive record in the division.

Over half of those 15 strikes came during the first two matches, but their 3-1 defeat away at Farense in their last league outing suggested that Seabra has much work to do over the coming weeks.

Former Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes continues to receive plenty of attention after contributing three goals and two assists from his five appearances this season.

Nevertheless, it is going to take a collective effort for Boavista to make headway up the table, and they can ill-afford to lose out to one of their lower-end rivals.

Belenenses will be relatively content with sitting in 13th position at this stage of the season, particularly having scored just three times.

Four draws have been recorded from their last five fixtures, their only defeat coming away at Benfica, but Petit will acknowledge that they cannot rely too heavily on their backline.

As it stands, they hold the second-best defensive record in the league, a fine achievement when you consider that they conceded the second-most goals during the last campaign.

That said, they have only found the back of the net on one occasion in five outings, a return which must improve if they wish to challenge for a mid-table spot in the future.

Boavista Primeira Liga form: LDLDWL
Boavista form (all competitions): DLDWLW

Belenenses Primeira Liga form: LDDLDD
Belenenses form (all competitions): DDLDDW


Team News

Angel Gomes in action for Manchester United on September 19, 2019© Reuters

Boavista boss Seabra may use Gomes in a wide position with Paulinho still struggling with an ankle injury.

Adil Rami could earn a return to the middle of the defence, potentially taking the place of Cristian Devenish.

Petit will hope that Bruno Ramires and Goncalo Silva can shake off injuries in time to take their spot in the Belenenses XI.

Having impressed during the club's cup tie against Real SC, Miguel Cardoso is in line for a recall in midfield.

Boavista possible starting lineup:
Jardim; Cannon, Rami, Awaziem, Hamache; Perez, Garcia; Sauer, Santos, Gomes; Elis

Belenenses possible starting lineup:
Kritsyuk; Esgaio, Phete, Ribeiro, Henrique, Lima; Cardoso, Ramires, Taira, Varela; Cassierra


SM words green background

We say: Boavista 1-1 Belenenses

Given the form of the current bottom two, this may be regarded as a must-not-lose rather than a must-win. With that in mind, do not be surprised to see a low-key draw played out as both sides place focus on their performances at the back.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Away:data


ID:423953:cQx

How you voted: Boavista vs Belenenses

Boavista
33.3%
Draw
58.3%
Belenenses
8.3%
12
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sporting Lisbon1512303392439
2Porto15112237172035
3Benfica15103230151533
4Braga1510052415930
5Pacos de FerreiraPacos de Ferreira1584322121028
6Vitoria de GuimaraesGuimaraes148241913626
7MoreirenseMoreirense154651317-418
8Santa ClaraSanta Clara155371519-418
9Maritimo155281621-517
10Rio AveRio Ave153661118-715
11BelenensesBelenenses15366812-415
12TondelaTondela154381325-1215
13PortimonensePortimonense154381219-715
14Nacional153571320-714
15FamalicaoFamalicao153571626-1014
16Gil Vicente153481017-713
17SC FarenseFarense143381520-512
18BoavistaBoavista151861426-1211

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