On Tuesday afternoon, Famalicao host Portimonense at the Estadio Municipal 22 de Junho, in a game that could be vital to the home teams’ European hopes and the visitor’s chances of survival in the Primeira Liga.
Former Everton assistant coach Joao Pedro Sousa has done an excellent job with the home side. Even if they fail to qualify for Europe, it still has been a superb campaign for the minnows in the Portuguese top-flight.
However, all is not yet lost for the home side in the race for European football for next season. They are fifth in the table, five points behind Sporting Braga, who occupy the final spot for continental football for next season.
After a brief dip in form in January and February, Famalicao have recovered their form in recent weeks, as they are now unbeaten in six matches in the Primeira Liga. Last time out they drew 1-1 with Moreirense, which may be viewed as a slightly disappointing result for Sousa’s team.
While Famalicao are dreaming of European football next season, Portimonense are just trying to preserve their top-flight status. The team from the Algarve are currently four points from safety, despite a recent improvement in league form.
The visitors are four games unbeaten in the Portuguese top-flight, having secured what could be a massive 3-2 win over relegation rivals Maritimo in their last outing. The win gave Paulo Sergio’s team the belief that they can still escape the drop.
One thing that has proven a major achilles heel this season for Portimonense has been their away form, as they are winless in 13 away games in the Primeira Liga. The visitors have also suffered defeat in five of their last six away games in the league.
Forebet predicts that Famalicao will boost their European aspiration’s while denting Portimonense’s survival hopes by recording a victory in a low-scoring clash.