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

After seeing their game against Famalicao called off due to multiple COVID-19 cases, Belenenses take to the pitch for the first time in 10 days on Sunday when they square off against Vizela at the Estadio do FC Vizela.

The hosts, on the other hand, failed to move into the top half of the table last time out when they were beaten by Maritimo and will look to bounce back from that performance.

Match preview

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Vizela turned in a performance of the highest quality in the Taca de Portugal as they sent reigning champions Braga packing courtesy of a 1-0 victory when the sides met on December 23.

However, the Vizelenses were sent crashing back down to earth on their return to the Primeira Liga as they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Maritimo at the Estadio do Maritimo last Tuesday.

In a game where Nuno Moreira received his marching orders, Joel Tagueu put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot nine minutes after the interval before Stade de Reims loanee Rafik Guitane made sure of the result with a 72nd-minute strike.

Alvaro Pacheco's men head into Sunday's game winless in all but one of their last 13 league games — losing five and claiming seven draws — with a 4-1 victory over Arouca on December 13 being the only exception.

This poor run has been owing to their lack of goalscoring options up top as Vizela have failed to find the target in each of their last two games while they boast one of the league's poorest attacking records with 14 goals in 15 games.

With 13 points from 15 outings, Vizela are currently 13th in the Primeira Liga standings, level on points with Santa Clara and one point above Tondela in the relegation playoff spot.

Belenenses, who secured a 10th-placed finish last campaign, have endured a miserable first half of the season as they have managed just eight points from their opening 14 games.

While O Belem have two games in hand over most of their rivals, they find themselves rooted to the bottom of the pile, four points adrift of Moreirense just outside the relegation places.

Belenenses head into Sunday's game fresh off the back of a last-16 exit from the Taca de Portugal after losing on penalties against second-tier Rio Ave at the Estadio dos Arcos two Thursdays ago.

Filipe Candido's side now turn their attention to the Primeira Liga where they are currently on a four-game losing streak, conceding 11 goals and scoring none since October's 2-1 win over Santa Clara.

They have managed just one win in the Primeira Liga this season, and like Sunday's hosts, a lack of firepower in attack has been a major cause for concern for Belenenses as they boast the division's poorest record with seven goals in 14 games.

Team News

Vizela will take to the pitch without the services of Nuno Moreira, who is currently suspended after receiving his marching orders on the stroke of half time against Maritimo last time out.

On the injury front, the Vizelenses remain without Ivanildo Fernandes after the Portuguese defender picked up an injury in the game against Braga on November 30.

He is joined on the club's table by veteran midfielder Claudemir after the 33-year-old sustained a muscle problem versus Estoril Praia back in November.

As for Belenenses, Chico Teixeira is out of contention as the 23-year-old midfielder is currently recuperating from a severe injury he picked up back in September.

Other than that, Candido has a full strength squad at his disposal and we expect to see an attacking trio of Alisson Safira, Pedro Nuno and Alioune Ndour.

Vizela possible starting lineup:
Charles; Kouao, Wilson, Aidara, Ofori; Zagbayou, Paulo; Mendez, Samu, Bondoso; Cassiano

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

We say: Vizela 1-1 Belenenses

Vizela and Belenenses head into the game on a poor run and we anticipate they will take the game to each other in search of a morale-boosting win. However, we predict the spoils will be shared with both sides settling for a point apiece as they are evenly matched on paper.

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