Portimonense play host to Vizela at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in round seven of the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Sunday.

The visitors head into the game without a win away from home in each of their last four games across all competitions this term and will be looking to end their poor run.

Match preview

© Reuters

Portimonense picked up their first home victory of the new Primeira Liga campaign when they edged out Santa Clara 2-1 last Friday.

Wilinton Aponza and Lucas Fernandes scored either side of Rui Costa's 20th-minute equaliser to hand the hosts a 2-1 lead heading into the break before putting on a defensive show of class to protect their lead and condemn the visitors to a second straight defeat.

That was the first win in three games for the Portimao-based outfit, who fell to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Pacos de Ferreira before playing out a 1-1 draw with Boavista in their previous two outings.

Paulo Sergio will take pride in his side's defensive solidity, which has played a huge role in their impressive start to the season as they are one of five sides yet to concede more than four goals so far.

Portimonense, who finished just one point above the relegation playoff spot last season, are currently sixth in the Primeira Liga standings with 10 points from their opening six matches.

While they will be looking to strengthen their position in the top half of the table, next up is an opposing side they have failed to beat in three of their last four encounters between the teams.

Vizela, who have struggled to get going in the top flight, failed to come away with all three points once again as they played out a 1-1 draw with Pacos de Ferreira last time out.

Despite being one man up for over an hour, the Vizelenses failed to make use of their numerical advantage as Os Castores forward Denilson restored parity five minutes into the second half after falling behind to Guilherme Schettine's opener on the stroke of half time.

That was a third draw on the bounce for Alvaro Pacheco's side, who were involved in a share of the spoils with Boavista and Gil Vicente in their previous two outings.

The newly-promoted side have now failed to taste victory in five of their opening six matches, including each of the last four since a 2-1 win over Tondela on August 14.

That poor run has been owing to their struggles at the defensive end of the pitch, an area needing tinkering as they have conceded the third-most goals so far and are yet to keep a clean sheet.

Team News

© Reuters

Shoya Nakajima, who recently moved to Portimonense on loan, still awaits his first appearance for the club as he continues his spell on the sidelines through injury.

Brazilian forward Fabricio is also set to miss his sixth consecutive game after picking up a knee injury against Vitoria de Guimaraes in the league curtain-raiser back in August.

Sergio opted for a 4-5-1 formation against Santa Clara last time out and after his side's solid performance, the Portuguese manager could stick with his new-found system.

Vizela, on the other hand, remain without the services of first-choice goalkeeper Pedro Silva and midfielder Hugues Zagbayou, with both sidelined with long-term injuries.

Cassiano will also play no part in the game after coming off injured in the first half against Vitoria back in August and in his absence, Braga loanee Schettine could lead the attack for the fourth game running.

Koffi Kouao faces the risk of a one-match suspension after the Ivory Coast defender took his yellow card tally to four with a booking against Pacos de Ferreira last time out.

Portimonense possible starting lineup:
Samuel; Moufi, Rocha, Pedrao, Cande; Oliveira, Fernandes, Carlinhos, Boa Morte, Ewerton; Aponza

Vizela possible starting lineup:
Charles; Kouao, Wilson, Fernandes, Afonso; Paulo, Claudemir; Zohi, Samu, Moreira; Schettine

We say: Portimonense 2-1 Vizela

Portimonense head into the game on the back of a morale-boosting home victory over Santa Clara and will be looking to keep the ball rolling, as they take on an out-of-sorts Vizela side who are struggling to adapt to life in the Primeira Liga.

We predict the hosts will claim all three points and maintain their solid start to the season.

Previews by email