Fafe
- The hosts have been on a high ever since their stunning Taça de Portugal win over Primeira Liga side SC Braga and they should have a home crowd to get behind them in good conditions for this clash.
- Fafe have also been on a good run in the league, which included a 3-2 home victory over Sanjoanense and a 4-0 away win at Sao Joao de Ver.
- Mário Ferreira’s men are compact, well organised and tough to break down, having a real identity now after some choppy weeks at the start of the season.
- Carlos Daniel is their creative spark and has been a constant threat up front in both their cup and league campaigns, while João Santos can score goals from any position - as he did against Braga.
- Defensively, the Lions have been very solid under Ferreira, with leaders João Batista and Leandro Teixeira at the heart of a defence that is also adept at winning set-piece battles and aerial duels.
Marco 09
- Marco 09 are the opposite in terms of style and have been in inconsistent form recently, winning 1 - 0 at Trofense but then losing to Varzim and Paredes.
- Pedro Lomba is an attacking coach who likes his teams to play a fast-paced game and get at opponents on the break, preferably with a 4-3-3 system that allows his teams to push full-backs forward.
- Nandinho can be a spark at any time in a game, particularly late in the second half.
- Erivaldo, Andrezinho and Mauro Ribeiro have all got goals and experience at the point of this formation, offering a lot of depth and variety up front to their coach.
- But the team can be vulnerable to the counter and Fafe will be ready to pounce.
Head-to-Head
- The two previous Liga 3 head-to-head meetings between these clubs this season finished 0-0 and 1-1.
- Both head-to-head matches in Liga 3 this season have gone under 2.5.
Fafe
- Carlos Daniel
- João Santos
- João Batista
- Leandro Teixeira
Marco 09
- Nandinho
- Erivaldo
- Andrezinho
- Mauro Ribeiro
Betting Insights
- Fafe are heavy favorites at 1.66 to beat 4.79 outsiders Marco 09, with the draw at 3.45.
- The bookies price for under 2.5 goals is good value at 1.67.
Prediction
- Fafe are above Marco in the Liga 3 maintenance group and can effectively secure their survival with a win in this match while the visitors desperately need to close the gap.
- We think the Lions are in a better place, have better momentum and have home advantage for this showdown of contrasting styles.
