Tondela vs Alverca – News and Probable Lineups

Alverca is set to travel to the Estadio Joao Cardoso to face Tondela on Friday in round 22 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, aiming to secure their first away victory since November.

After a close loss in the previous match-up in September, the Auriverdes are eager to take revenge this weekend and match Santa Clara in the relegation playoff position.

Match overview

As the season approaches its climax, Tondela finds itself confronted with the threat of relegation, a significant change from their promotion from the Segunda Liga just a year ago, ending a four-season absence from the top division.

After achieving a commendable draw against Benfica on February 1, Tondela’s squad suffered a frustrating setback last Saturday by allowing Estoril Praia to level the score after being two goals ahead at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota.

The visitors made a fantastic start, with Brazilian forward Maranhao scoring twice within the first 16 minutes, but quick goals from Joao Carvalho and Ferro led Estoril Praia to equalize.

Tondela began the year on a high note with a 3-1 comeback victory over Arouca on January 3, yet three defeats and two draws in their next five matches have seen the Auriverdes slide into the relegation zone.

Currently, Cristiano Bacci’s side has experienced 13 losses in their 21 Primeira Liga matches, securing only three wins and five draws, resulting in 14 points that leave them second from the bottom in the standings, five points adrift of 15th-placed Casa Pia.

Alverca, conversely, could not bounce back as they faced a 2-1 defeat against Benfica last Sunday at the Estadio da Luz.

Figueiredo equalized shortly before the half-hour mark, matching Andreas Schjelderup’s opener in the 16th minute, but substitute Anisio Cabral scored a decisive winner for Benfica in the 86th minute shortly after entering the pitch.

Having achieved consecutive victories against Famalicao and Moreirense at the start of the year, Alverca’s momentum has faltered, resulting in three matches without a win and only one point from the last nine available.

Despite this recent dip in form, Custodio Castro’s men have performed well overall, occupying 10th place in the Primeira Liga with 24 points from 21 games, marking a successful return to the top tier after over two decades.

While Alverca seeks to regain their footing and strive for a top-half finish, they must be sharp at the Estadio Joao Cardoso as they have lost seven of their last eight away matches since October 18.

Team News

Tondela will be without Nigerian defender Emmanuel Maviram, sidelined with an injury that prevented his participation against Estoril Praia last Saturday.

Brazillian attacker Maranhao showcased a strong performance in the previously mentioned match, and it is anticipated that the 26-year-old will lead the Auriverdes’ attack, supported by Makan Aiko and Stade Reims loan player Jordânia Siebatcheu.

On the other hand, Alverca will enter the match without Brazilian midfielder Lincoln, who is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, with his latest booking against Benfica.

Regarding injuries, 25-year-old forward Leo Chu remains out due to a knee issue, while Spanish midfielder Tomas Mendes has been unavailable since his injury versus AVS in October.

Stephane Diarra has been recuperating from a muscle injury since October, and Ganaian midfielder Sabit Abdulai is also a significant doubt after missing the recent match against Benfica.

Tondela probable starting XI:

Bernardo; Bebeto, Marques, Medina, Conceicao; Hodge, Sithole, Alves; Maranhao, Aiko, Siebatcheu
Alverca probable starting XI:

Matthew; Naves, Gomez, Meupiyou; Touaizi, Moreira, Rhaldney, Chissumba; Figueiredo, Milovanovic, Chiquinho

The new year has proven challenging for Tondela, and this weekend they are expected to give their all in an effort to maintain their top-flight status. Alverca’s form has been inconsistent since the start of the year, and due to their struggles on the road, it seems likely that both teams may end up sharing the points at the Estadio Joao Cardoso.