Alverca Hosts Estrela Amadora in Primeira Liga Clash

ALVERCA, Portugal (Interstat) — Alverca and Estrela Amadora will meet Saturday in a Primeira Liga fixture with both sides seeking momentum after heavy defeats last weekend.

The match at the Complexo Desportivo FC Alverca kicks off at 3 p.m. local time (1500 GMT).

Estrela Amadora (4-6-8) enters on the heels of a 4-0 loss at powerhouse Benfica last Sunday. Alverca (5-3-10) suffered a similarly lopsided defeat, falling 5-0 at Sporting Braga on the same day.

Recent history suggests a tight contest. The teams played to a 2-2 draw in Amadora last August. A statistical projection from Interstat also forecasts a 1-1 draw.

Form has been inconsistent for both clubs. Estrela’s results have swung dramatically, from a 3-3 draw with Braga and a 3-2 win at Famalicao in recent weeks to heavy losses against Benfica, Porto and Sporting Lisbon earlier in the season.

Alverca has struggled for consistency, with its last win a 1-0 victory over Famalicao on Jan. 4. Its season has been marked by narrow defeats and a leaky defense, conceding three or more goals in five matches.

Estrela Amadora will look to forwards who powered a 5-3 win over Casa Pia in November. Alverca will rely on a home pitch where it has secured three of its five league wins this campaign.

Following this match, Estrela Amadora hosts Santa Clara on Feb. 7. Alverca faces a daunting trip to league leaders Benfica on Feb. 8.

Probable Lineups:

Alverca (4-3-3): (Goalkeeper TBA); (Defense TBA); (Midfield TBA); (Forwards TBA).

Estrela Amadora (4-2-3-1): (Goalkeeper TBA); (Defense TBA); (Midfield TBA); (Forward TBA).

Injuries: Team injury reports were not immediately available Friday.

The referee assignment will be announced by the Portuguese Football Federation on matchday.