National vs Estoril – News and Probable Lineups

Nacional will aim to create a three-point cushion above the relegation zone as they host Estoril Praia at the Estadio da Madeira during round 26 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Sunday.

Having gone undefeated in their previous four encounters against this opponent, the Canarinhos will seek to continue their recent supremacy in this matchup and maintain their slim aspirations of qualifying for European competitions.

Match overview

Nacional remains in close contention with relegation, having drawn 1-1 with Moreirense in their last match at the Parque de Jogo Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas last Saturday.

The away side displayed a lack of efficiency in attack, squandering multiple clear chances, with Luis Semedo and Miguel Baeza scoring for their respective teams which led to a shared result.

Tiago Margarido’s squad has not secured a victory in six straight Primeira Liga matches, garnering only two points from the last 18 available, and they have recorded merely one win in their 10 games since the beginning of the year.

Nacional finished seven points above the relegation zone last season, but they are currently in precarious waters as they approach the season’s climax, sitting 15th in the Primeira Liga standings, tied on 22 points with 16th-placed Santa Clara in the relegation zone.

Having scored just three goals in their six matches since February began, the Alvinegros’ inability to find the back of the net has become a significant concern, an aspect needing urgent attention if they wish to safeguard their position in the top tier.

Similarly, Estoril Praia also played to a draw last weekend, as they were held to a scoreless tie against Casa Pia at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota.

Despite controlling over 60% of possession and having the upper hand for most of the encounter, the hosts were lucky not to concede, as Casa Pia created the two best chances to win the match, but striker Cassiano could not convert from close range on either occasion.

This marked another two points dropped for Estoril Praia in their quest for a spot in the top four, having failed to win four of their last five matches, with two losses and two draws, following victories against Estrela Amadora, Vitoria de Guimaraes, and Santa Clara in the three prior games.

Ian Cathro’s squad has had a mixed season, achieving nine wins and suffering nine defeats, accumulating 34 points and currently occupying eighth place in the league table, trailing fourth-place Braga in the Conference League qualifying position by 12 points heading into the final nine fixtures.

Nevertheless, Estoril will be optimistic about finding their stride this weekend as they travel to the Estadio da Madeira to face an opponent that has not won in any of their last four confrontations, losing twice and drawing twice since a 2-1 win in December 2019.

Team News

Nacional’s injury troubles show no signs of abating, as players such as Ivanildo Fernandes, Lucas Franca, and Brazilian defender Ulisses remain sidelined.

Portuguese defender Joao Aurelio is set to miss his eighth consecutive game after exiting injured against Gil Vicente in January, while fellow compatriot Filipe Soares has been unavailable since November.

Jose Gomes has also sat out the last three matches following an injury sustained against Porto on February 19, and this experienced defender will also not feature for the Alvinegros.

On the other hand, Estoril will not have the services of Andre Lacximicant, who has been out since picking up an injury against Braga in December, while 21-year-old defender Or Israelov is still on his way to full fitness after suffering a severe thigh injury in September.

They are joined on the injury list by 23-year-old defender Kevin Boma, who has missed the last four matches due to injury suffered in February.

Nacional probable starting XI:

Pereira; Nunez, Santos, Ze Vitor, Vallier; Dias, Liziero; Veron, Baeza, Boia; Ramirez

Estoril Praia probable starting XI:

Oaks; Carvalho, Ferro, Bacher, Sanchez; Orellana, Tsoungui, Holsgrove; Begraoui, Guitane, Marques

Pressured to secure points as time is running out in their fight for safety, we anticipate that Nacional will go all out this weekend in hopes of achieving a much-needed result and distancing themselves from the relegation area.

Although we expect Estoril to put in a strong performance, they have lost five of their seven away matches since November, and we foresee them encountering challenges at the Estadio da Madeira this weekend.