Viseu vs Estoril – News and Probable Lineups

Academico Viseu is ready to continue their fine form after the international break, aiming to secure a fourth straight victory in the Primeira Liga on Saturday when they host Estoril Praia at Estadio do Fontelo in the eighth round of matches.

The home side holds the seventh position in the Portuguese top-flight table with a total of 11 points earned from their first seven fixtures, while their opponents are at the bottom of the standings with only two points from 21 available.

Match overview

The season opened with a remarkable draw against Benfica, signaling that Academico could prove to be a competitive team upon their return to the top tier this season after a 37-year hiatus, although the newly promoted club struggled to record any wins during their first four matches.

Following the draw at Estadio da Luz, Bruno Pinheiro’s team suffered defeats to Santa Clara and Porto while managing to draw against Maritimo, but the tide turned on matchday five when the Viseu club clinched a narrow win against Gil Vicente.

The return to Fontelo for their next match saw Academico triumph over Vitoria de Guimaraes, and they made it three victories in succession by beating Estrela Amadora 2-0 in their last contest before the international hiatus, with Andre Clovis netting both goals early on.

Os Viriatos have displayed improvement on both ends of the pitch, allowing just one goal during their current three-match winning run while scoring five times in total, contrasting sharply with their earlier record of conceding eight and scoring four in their initial four games.

The victory against Vitoria marked Academico’s first home win in three attempts this season after losing their first two matches on home soil, providing them with added confidence as they face the struggling visitors.

Meanwhile, Estoril approaches this clash desperately seeking their first league victory of the season, having only accrued two points from their last seven matches and remaining the sole team in the league without a win.

To illustrate their struggles, one must look back to matchday 26 of the prior season to find Estoril’s last win in the Primeira Liga, as they ended the last campaign on an eight-game winless streak and finished in 10th place prior to Ian Cathro’s departure over the summer.

Vasco Matos has faced a tough initiation at Estoril, securing points in just two encounters – a draw against Famalicao and another against Arouca, along with five losses including a 2-1 setback at home against Casa Pia right before the international break.

The decisive moments came in the mismatch which unfolded in the closing 20 minutes where Estoril took the lead with Ricard Sanchez, only for Selvi Clua to level the scores shortly after, before Benjamin Pauwels netted the winner late in the match.

As they approach this weekend, Estoril can at least draw comfort from the fact that they have triumphantly won each of their past three league encounters with Academico — all while competing in the second division — although their latest visit to Fontelo ended with a 3-2 loss in the Taca da Liga in 2022.

Team News

There are no known injuries or suspensions reported for Academico ahead of the fixture on Saturday, meaning that Pinheiro might keep an unchanged starting XI for the third match in a row.

As such, Clovis is anticipated to once again take the lead following his two goals against Estrela, bringing his season tally to four goals in the league.

On the other hand, Estoril will likely miss Yanis Begraoui, who picked up a muscular injury during the international break, and reports indicate that his chances of being fit for the trip to Viseu are slim.

Fabricio Garcia is also unavailable after surgery on his right knee, with expectations for him to be sidelined for at least six months, while Xeka and Stelios Andreou are still doubts after missing the last three league matches.

Ferro will return from suspension, while the absence of Begraoui may see Andre Lacximicant taking over the central striker position, with Israel Salazar also considered a potential replacement.

Academico de Viseu probable starting XI:

Ewerton; Robinho, Correia, Michelis, Costa; Kahraman, L Silva; Gohi, Messeguem, Guilherme; Clovis

Estoril Praia probable starting XI:

Oaks; R Sanchez, Ferro, Sierra, Jurisic; Holsgrove, Robin; Omerovic, J Carvalho, Camblan; Laximicant

Having secured their last three league wins, Academico possesses the confidence and attacking firepower necessary to leverage their home advantage against an Estoril team that has struggled to find the back of the net, managing just three goals this season.

Though Matos’ squad could contest the match, the anticipated absence of Begraoui further undermines an attack that has only netted a mere three goals this season, thus Pinheiro’s side should be on course for a fourth successive victory.