Santa Clara are on a three-match losing streak in all competitions ahead of their Primeira match with Estoril Praia on Monday night. Santa Clara are coming off of a 6-0 loss in the Portuguese Cup against Braga and limp into matchday 12 of the Primeira.
Estoril are unbeaten in six of their last seven matches in all competitions. The home side go into matchday 12 in fourth place and eight points off of third-place Benfica. A win for Bruno Pinheiro’s team could inch them closer to the top three.
Santa Clara are bottom of the Primeira table with six points from 33 available. Two points separate Santa Clara from safety and 16th-place Belenenses.
These teams have not played since the 2011-12 Primeira season. Santa Clara finished sixth in the Primeira last season, but the team is struggling this term. Estoril won the Portuguese second division last season and are punching well above their weight this term.
Santa Clara have conceded the league’s most goals this season with 23. They have also scored the league’s fewest goals with just seven. Estoril have scored 16 times this season while conceding just nine times in 11 matches.
Estoril have not played well at home this season, which could give Santa Clara hope of a win. They have taken just six points from 15 on offer this season at home. Each of their last three matches at home ended without wins.
Santa Clara have taken a mere one point from 15 available on the road. They have scored just three times and conceded 10 goals to opponents on the road.
Estoril are lead in goals with five from Andre Franco. Bruno Lourenco and Chiquinho have added two goals apiece. Lourenco has added three assists to the cause. Santa Clara are led in goals by Rui Costa and Carlos with two goals each.
Estoril manager Pinheiro has zero injuries going into matchday 12. He will be able to pick from a fully fit squad. Estoril are coming off of a 5-0 cup win in their previous match. Leonardo Acevedo scored twice.
Santa Clara manager Nuno Campos has two players on the injury and suspension list heading into matchday 12. Midfielder Allano will serve a red card suspension. Midfielder Costinha has an Achilles tendon injury and is a doubt.
Estoril are playing well in the Primeira, while Santa Clara are likely to be relegated. The home side should claim a win versus Santa Clara as the away team lose for a fourth straight match.