Moreirense FC: Battling Inconsistency
Moreirense FC finds itself in a mixed season, currently 10th in the Primeira Liga with 36 points from 9 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses. Their goal difference (-11) reflects struggles at both ends, having scored 37 while conceding 48. Recent form has been shaky, with just 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses in their last five matches across all competitions. A 1-3 defeat to FC Porto last time out exposed defensive vulnerabilities that need addressing.
Manager Cristiano Bacci has instilled a disciplined, counter-attacking approach, which has helped Moreirense remain competitive. Their home form has been a relative bright spot, with 6 wins, 7 draws, and only 3 losses at the Comendador Almeida Freitas stadium. Facing Estoril presents a crucial chance to leverage home advantage and climb the table with a vital three points.
GD Estoril: Seeking Stability
Estoril sits just above Moreirense in 9th place with 42 points, having recorded 11 wins, 9 draws, and 12 losses this season. Their attacking output (42 goals scored) has been slightly better, but defensive issues persist (51 conceded). Their recent form includes 2 wins and 3 losses in the last five games, including a 1-2 home defeat to Benfica—a result that may dent confidence ahead of this clash.
Under Ian Cathro, Estoril has embraced an attacking philosophy, though it has occasionally left them vulnerable defensively. Their away record (5 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses) suggests they can be competitive on the road but must tighten up at the back. With both teams fighting for momentum, Estoril will need greater defensive discipline to secure a positive result.
The last game, which took place at Estadio do Dragao on the road, saw Moreirense lose. The score was 3-1 in favor of Porto. Yan Lincon scored the goal for the Moreira de Cónegos team, who had only 29% of the ball and four shots on goal.
When they were last in action, Estoril lost. Benfica defeated them 2-1 at home at Antonio Coimbra da Mota. Vinicius Zanocelo scored one of the Canaries' two shots on goal, which gave them a 48% possession advantage.
With a 2-2 draw at Antonio Coimbra da Mota in their most recent meeting, Moreirense has avoided losing to Estoril in three straight meetings. Three Moreirense victories, one draw, and one Estoril victory have occurred in the last five head-to-head encounters.
This season, Moreirense is having some difficulties scoring goals. They are aiming for a mid-table spot in the Primeira Liga, where they are currently ranked eleventh. With only two victories in their last 10 games, recent games demonstrate their patchy play. They score in almost all of their home games against Estoril (12 out of 13), but they also let up goals a lot (7 out of 8).
Estoril, who are presently ranked ninth in the Portuguese league, are playing a little more consistently than the home team. With an average of about 1.4 goals per game and a rapid transition from defense to offense, their attack is dangerous.