On Monday, the 22nd round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga occurs when Arouca and Maritimo meet at the Estadio Municipal de Arouca for three points, kickoff at 11:15 pm.
The visiting team, which could move clear of the relegation places with a win today, will be seeking to gain an edge on O Maior das Ilhas, who they have not beaten in three straight matches dating back to 2016.
Arouca were defeated 2-0 by Porto on Sunday. In the first half, the league leaders were kept scoreless.
However, Porto was able to break through nine minutes into the second half, and then Chancel Mbemba made sure of the results soon after. Arouca had previously defeated Estoril Praia 2-1 on Jan. 27, ending a six-game winless run. They then played out an uneventful goalless draw with Famalicao four days later.
Arouca, who has won 18 points from 21 games this season, is currently 16th in the Primeira Liga standings, with six points clear of rock-bottom Belenenses and one point behind Moreirense just outside the relegation zone.
On the other hand, Maritimo failed to score in a goalless draw against Estoril Praia at the Estadio do Maritimo last time out. Despite having over 60% of the ball possession, Vasco Seabra’s men were wasteful in attack as a spirited Daniel Figueira constantly repelled them at goal.
Arouca vs Maritimo Head to Head
Both sides have 11 games against each other with each side taking four wins and three draws. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Arouca 0-2 FC Porto
- FC Famalicao 0-0 Arouca
- Estoril Praia 1-2 Arouca
- Arouca 0-2 Benfica
- Belenenses 2-1 Arouca
Away
- Maritimo 0-0 Estoril Praia
- FC Porto 2-1 Maritimo
- Maritimo 1-1 Belenenses
- Sporting Braga 0-1 Maritimo
- Portimonense 1-2 Maritimo
Arouca Team News
While goalkeeper Fernando Augusto and midfielder Moses Yaw continue their injury recovery, Arouca has several other injury concerns. Midfielder Jose Manuel Velazquez has been out of action since last September, while new signing Alan Ruiz awaits his debut after picking up an injury back in October.
Maritimo Team News
Meanwhile, Maritimo’s Brazilian forward Ricardinho returned from injury against Estoril Praia last time out. Still, Swedish forward Tim Soderstrom remains out of contention after picking up an injury back in November.
Prediction and Odds
We are tipping Maritimo to win on Monday, taking inspiration from their 2-1 loss against Porto last weekend.
- Maritimo Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Over 2.5
