Tondela vs. Moreirense – News and Probable Lineups

Tondela is set to face Moreirense at the Estadio Joao Cardoso in their second-to-last match of the Primeira Liga season, with hopes that a win could help them escape the relegation zone.

The hosts from Beira are currently positioned 17th in the Portuguese league standings, trailing the playoff spot by one point and sitting three points behind safety, while Moreirense is in seventh place.

Match overview

Tondela is eager to avoid relegation back to the second tier and demonstrated their determination in last weekend’s crucial match against Rio Maior, where they claimed a 1-0 win over a depleted Casa Pia team.

Goncalo Feio’s team took the lead 13 minutes after the Geese were reduced to 10 players following Cassiano’s dismissal in the 55th minute, as Bebeto successfully converted a penalty to secure a vital win that brought them within one point of Casa Pia.

This result ended their nine-match winless streak (D4, L4) and marked Tondela’s first victory under Feio since he took over in late March. The Portuguese head coach hopes another win this weekend will be crucial for their fight against relegation.

Meanwhile, 16th-placed Casa Pia faces a tough away match against Vitoria de Guimaraes in this penultimate round, while 15th-placed Estrela Amadora takes on Famalicao, who are contending for European qualification. Thus, favorable results combined with a win for Tondela may even see them rise to safety by the end of the matchday.

Nonetheless, their home form at Joao Cardoso raises concerns about their capacity to secure all three points on Monday, as the Beira team has remained winless in their last eight home league matches (D5, L3) and has not scored in five of those encounters.

On the other hand, Moreirense seems to be regaining their form, having recorded six points from their last three matches (W2, L1), matching their total from the previous ten games (W1, D3, L6), with that unfavorable stretch damaging their chances for European qualification.

In fact, Vasco Botelho da Costa’s squad can no longer surpass seventh place, and while this progress from the 10th position last season is notable, a top-half finish is not guaranteed, as they are only four points ahead of 10th-placed Alverca.

This adds extra importance to the clash on Monday for Moreirense, who will be looking to build on a thrilling comeback victory over Estrela Amadora last weekend, where goals from Alanzinho, Luis Semedo, and Maracas turned a two-goal deficit into a 3-2 win.

This victory also marked the first time that Da Costa’s side scored multiple goals in a league match since a 2-1 win against Rio Ave in February, and they will aim to carry that momentum into their matchup with Tondela, a team they have prevailed against in three of their last four encounters (D1).

However, Moreirense must improve their away performance, as they have been unable to triumph in their last four league games on the road (D2, L2), resulting in just four wins from 16 top-flight matches away from home this season (D4, L8).

Team News

Tondela has been without Nor Maviram for the last three matches, making the Nigerian full-back a significant doubt for this fixture, while Brayan Medina is also uncertain after missing the last two games.

Midfielder Xabier Huarte has been injured since early March, and 23-year-old winger Moudjatovic may miss another consecutive match.

Pedro Maranhao remains the club’s top scorer with six league goals, though he has not found the net in his last eight appearances and will be hoping to end that drought here.

For Moreirense, Alvaro Martinez and Michel are dealing with muscle injuries, Vasco Sousa is ruled out with a leg issue, and Dinis Pinto is still in recovery from a shoulder injury.

Additionally, 23-year-old midfielder Rodri Alonso is expected to miss the clash in Beira due to suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season in the previous outing.

Caio Secco was chosen over Andre Ferreira as goalkeeper last weekend, and it remains to be seen if he will keep his position despite conceding twice against Estrela, with both goals coming from penalties.

Tondela probable starting XI:

Bernardo; Manso, Marques, A Silva, Conceicao; Clebinho, Rodriguez; Aiko, Felix; Maranhao, R Lopes

Moreirense probable starting XI:

Dry; Fabiano, Maracas, Batista, Travassos; Stjepanovic, Assis; Landerson, John, Kind; Alanzinho

Despite potential indicators suggesting Moreirense as the stronger team based on their season’s trajectory and recent matchup history, their struggles on the road introduce uncertainty.

While Tondela may not have the strongest home record either, they seem to be building momentum at a pivotal point in the season, having held Sporting Lisbon before last weekend’s win. With their survival at stake, the hosts might just secure a narrow victory, buoyed by the support of the Beira crowd.