Mafra (home)
- Orest Shala has been trying to establish an attacking identity at CD Mafra, but they are still conceding too many goals in the promotion stage.
- Mafra are rock bottom with just four points while Amarante are joint top on 15.
- A 1-4 home defeat to Belenenses and 0-2 away win at Varzim have been the highlights of a disappointing start to the second phase and the hosts look up against it on Sunday.
Amarante (away)
- Amarante are unbeaten in their last five promotion phase fixtures, winning three and drawing two.
- Alex Costa’s side have a pragmatic and results-oriented approach to the game and they have been particularly adept at sitting deep and absorbing pressure in recent weeks.
Head-to-Head
Amarante were 1-0 winners in the only Liga 3 promotion group game between the sides.
Mafra
- Vítor Bruno is the playmaker from central midfield and ranks among Mafra’s leading creators and assist providers.
- Mamor Niang leads the line as their lone centre forward.
- Stanley Iheanacho brings pace and directness to the right-hand side of the front three and chips in with important goals and assists from wide areas.
Amarante
- Jordan Saint-Louis is Amarante’s main attacking weapon and has been a constant threat this season.
- He is dangerous from open play and set pieces and is one of the club’s top scorers in the campaign.
- Tiago Ventura has been Amarante’s outstanding player in the second half of the season, contributing key goals and assists.
Betting Insights
- Mafra are a shade of a favorite at 2.03.
- Our selection is for the visitors at 3.64 while the draw is also in the bet at 2.99.
- The odds-on favorite for under 2.5 goals at 1.46 reflects the likely outcome of this fixture with a cagey encounter on the cards.
Prediction
- Home field advantage might be a factor in this game and the roar of the crowd could spur the hosts into a better performance than the one they gave against Belenenses.
- Amarante are experienced at holding on to tight wins and could well nick this one by a 1-0 margin.
