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

Belenenses and Portimonense square off in Primeira Liga on Thursday with just goal difference separating the two teams in mid-table.

Sitting just five points above the relegation playoff, both clubs remain focused on trying to secure their survival in Portugal's top flight with a couple of games to spare.

Match preview

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With over a quarter of their goals for the season coming in the last four games, supporters of Belenenses have been left encouraged with their improved return in the final third.

However, after scoring twice in three successive games, Belenenses lost out 1-0 to Pacos de Ferreira in their last outing, a result which ended their four-match undefeated run.

Although Petit will have been disappointed with conceding a late goal in that fixture, he will remain encouraged with just three defeats being posted in 14 encounters.

Belenenses now face a triple-header with their direct rivals for seventh position, giving them every opportunity to record a significant improvement on last season's 15th-placed finish.

On the flip side, they remain just three points above that spot in the table, facing the same scenario as their upcoming opponents.

Portimonense had looked on course to be sitting comfortably in the top half of the table when they registered three successive victories.

However, a 5-1 reverse at home to Benfica has been followed by draws against Farense and Rio Ave, leaving Paulo Sergio and his squad with work to do in order to avoid relegation.

Given their fortunate escape last season, there will be those associated with Portimonense who will be satisfied as long as they finish outside of the bottom three.

That said, with fourth-placed Braga representing their toughest fixture during the run-in, there is no reason why they should not be targeting seventh over the coming weeks.

Team News

Having only lost out 1-0 away at the fifth-placed side in the division last time out, Petit may be prepared to name the same Belenenses XI.

Cafu could return in place of Bruno Ramires, a move which would potentially allow Afonso Sousa to play further forward.

Barring any late fitness issues, Sergio will give consideration to selecting the Portimonense starting lineup which featured against Rio Ave.

Anderson Oliveira may come back into the team in place of Denis-Will Poha if Sergio opts for more creativity.

Belenenses possible starting lineup:
Kritsyuk; Silva, Henrique, Ribeiro; Esgaio, Yaya, Taira, Cafu, Lima; Sousa, Teixeira

Portimonense possible starting lineup:
Samuel; Moufi, Possignolo, Antonio, Anzai; Poha, Sa, Dener; Boa Morte, Beto, Fabricio

We say: Belenenses 1-1 Portimonense

As well as both clubs being expected to prioritise avoiding defeat in this contest, neither team have been firing on all cylinders in the final third.

With that in mind, a low-scoring draw appears most likely, a result which would edge the sides closer to safety.