Alverca vs Estoril – News and Probable Lineups

Alverca is set to host Estoril Praia on Sunday evening, aiming for a victory that would enhance their chances of a top-half standing in the Primeira Liga.

Both teams are currently tied on points, with Alverca sitting in 10th place and Estoril just above them in ninth, although Estoril boasts a significantly better goal difference.

Match overview

After achieving consecutive promotions, Alverca would have been content merely to secure their place in the Primeira Liga for the 2025-26 season.

Instead, Custodio Castro’s side have enjoyed a remarkable season, already ensuring at least a top-13 finish.

Alverca has recorded only three defeats in 11 fixtures, having won three of their last five matches.

Their victories have come against teams lower in the standings, helping them distance themselves from the relegation zone, while Alverca gave Porto a tough match last Saturday at Estadio do Dragao before falling short with a 1-0 result.

Despite only scoring 17 goals over 16 matches at Complexo Desportivo FC Alverca, they have accrued 25 points—equal to the total for 17th-placed Tondela throughout the entire season.

With both sides level on points, this match presents a chance for Alverca to climb the table, especially considering their rivals are experiencing a rough patch.

Estoril did earn a determined 1-1 draw against Braga last time out, but prior to that, they faced five consecutive losses.

However, it’s worth noting that four of those defeats came by a single goal, including matchups against Porto and Famalicao.

Throughout this season, Estoril has suffered nine losses in 16 away fixtures, conceding 30 goals along the way.

They managed only one victory in their last six away games, which was a narrow 1-0 win against 14th-placed Nacional on March 15.

Team News

Alverca will be without Chiquinho, who received his fifth yellow card of the season in the last match.

Diogo Spencer may be given just his second start of the season on the right wing, while top scorer Marezi could return as a central striker ahead of Sandro Lima.

Conversely, Ian Castro may opt to name an unchanged Estoril starting XI following their commendable draw against Braga.

The change to a four-defender formation and the introduction of Andre Lacximicant during the second half were crucial, though he may not utilize that strategy again in this game.

Yanis Begraoui increased his Primeira Liga goal tally to 20 during that match, also scoring his third goal in five appearances.

Alverca probable starting XI:

Mendez; Naves, Gomez, Meupiyou; Touaizi, Rhaldney, Lincoln, James; Spencer, Marezi, Figueiredo

Estoril Praia probable starting XI:

Turk; Bacher, Ferro, Tsoungui; Sanchez, Xeka, Holsgrove, Amaral; Guitane, Begraoui, Carvalho

With an already outstanding season behind them, Alverca will aim to conclude the campaign on a positive note. Given the visitors’ current struggles, it’s anticipated that Alverca will secure another three points, potentially pushing them towards a finish as high as seventh.