Casa Pia vs Moreirense – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday at Estadio Pina Manique, two teams eager to recover from defeats in their recent matches will face off, as Casa Pia, fighting for survival, host Moreirense, who are struggling in their quest for European competition.

After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Famalicao on Monday, Casa Pia sits 13th in the Primeira Liga standings, four points above the playoff zone. Meanwhile, Moreirense fell to eighth place following a 3-0 loss to Sporting Lisbon last Saturday, leaving them eight points off the top four and six behind the fifth spot.

Match overview

Recently, Casa Pia has climbed out of the relegation zone into a safe position, thanks to their revitalization under head coach Alvaro Pacheco, who has secured points in four of his six matches in charge.

Following a rough initiation with a loss to Sporting on January 16, the 54-year-old coach saw his side’s four-match unbeaten streak (W2, D2) come to an end on Monday when Mathias De Amorim and Antoine Joujou scored for Famalicao either side of half-time.

Before Pacheco, the team had only managed a single victory in their last 12 league matches (D5, L6), but they have shown marked improvement under their new manager, whose first victory was a notable 2-1 win over the then-unbeaten leaders Porto at Pina Manique, followed by a victory against Arouca on matchday 21.

Currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten run (W2, D3) at home, Casa Pia has a chance to secure maximum points in three consecutive home fixtures for the first time since achieving this feat between January 25 and February 22, 2025, in the previous season.

As they try to distance themselves from relegation, the Geese have reasons to be optimistic, having secured a 3-1 victory in their last encounter at home against this opponent. However, Casa Pia has lost their last two outings against Moreirense, including a 2-1 defeat earlier this season in September.

While Moreirense aims to extend their winning streak in this fixture, they must be cautious not to leave empty-handed this weekend, given they have lost four of their last six matches (W2).

Last Saturday’s match against Sporting saw Vasco Botelho da Costa’s side collapse in the second half, with Francisco Trincao, Geny Catamo, and Luis Suarez all finding the net to hand Moreirense their tenth league defeat this season.

Despite this, ten wins in their 23 fixtures (D3, L10) this season in the Primeira Liga suggest that Moreirense’s campaign isn’t going as badly as it might seem, especially since they have equaled their total wins from last season when they finished 10th.

As they strive for a first-ever European spot, Moreirense enters Friday’s clash encouraged by a 2-1 victory over Rio Ave in their last away outing, though this marked only their fourth win in 12 away matches (D2, L6) in the league this season.

On the road, they have netted 14 goals, accounting for 48% of their total strikes, while conceding 17 (52% of their overall 33); Da Costa will need to correct this discrepancy at both ends as they prepare for the upcoming match.

Team News

Casa Pia will be without veteran Jose Fonte, who remains sidelined due to an injury he sustained against Sporting in mid-January, and their defensive line is further weakened with Duplexe Tchamba still unavailable after over two months out.

Long-term absentee Kiki Silva is expected to continue his recovery from a knee injury, while winger Korede Osundina is questionable after being substituted due to injury against Famalicão; fellow forward Kelian Nsona might also miss a fourth consecutive match.

On a brighter note, Casa Pia will welcome back right-back Gaizka Larrazabal and leading scorer Cassiano, both of whom were serving suspensions due to prior bookings.

For Moreirense, Yan Maranhao, who suffered a calf muscle tear during last weekend’s match with Sporting, is unlikely to return until April.

This leaves Luis Semedo as the only available natural striker to lead the attack following the departure of top scorer Guilherme Schettine in the winter transfer window.

Midfielder Vasco Sousa remains out as he recovers from a fractured fibula he suffered against Benfica in December.

The defense may also be without Michel Augusto for a sixth straight match, and the availability of right-back Diogo Travassos is uncertain after he missed the last game.

Casa Pia probable starting XI:

Sequeira; Sousa, Goulart, Kaly; Larrazabal, Ofori, Brito, Conte; Livolant, Cassiano, Morais

Moreirense probable starting XI:

Ferreira; Pinto, Maracas, Batista, Martinez; Stjepanovic, Alanzinho, Rodri; Teguia, Semedo, Kind

Despite their defeat last weekend, Casa Pia seems to have found a rhythm that is driven by an improved performance at home, and they will aim to capitalize on their home advantage once more.