March 15, 2008 2:32 PM

SOURCE:
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BWin Liga Weekend Preview: Round 23

Académica - Belenenses

The students are currently in thirteenth place, and they come into this game off the back of a defeat to Porto, sitting just one point off relegation.

Académica coach Domingos Paciência believes his side to be motivated for this game and even called for the Briosa supporters to be at Estádio Cidade de Coimbra this Saturday to support the team in greater number and voice.

Although Belenenses are currently the sixth-placed side in the league, the team's situation is far from being an easy one, as twenty players are growing increasingly impatient at the lack of progress regarding new deals, which means that massive departures may happen during the summer transfer window.

A 3-2 defeat to Boavista last week complicated the team's task of reaching Europe, and Jorge Jesus will be demanding a stark improvement from his men for this game.

Leixões - Porto

Leixões are reportedly interested in former Porto chief José Couceiro after Carlos Brito parted ways with the club due to the latest results.

The Sea Heroes are already in the relegation zone and will be eager to end their dreadful run of form: only the three points interest the team from Matosinhos.

Porto seem to have the title guaranteed, but despite the comfortable difference ahaed of the chasing pack, coach Jesualdo Ferreira stressed that he wants his side to win the BWIN title as soon as possible.

P. Ferreira - V. Setúbal

Paços de Ferreira are second from bottom in the league and recently suffered a 1-0 away defeat at the hands of Estrela de Amadora.

The Sadinos, meanwhile, looked in good form in last week's game against Marítimo, having won thanks to a late goal from Cláudio Pitbull.

Leixões have endured a season to forget and will come into this game with only the three points in mind to climb out of the relegation zone.

Boavista - E. Amadora

Boavista produced a surprising performance to deservedly win 3-2 in their travel to Estádio do Restelo last week and are now only six points off qualification for UEFA Cup.

However, Panteras coach Jaime Pacheco stated earlier this week that a spot in Europe is neither a goal nor an obligation.

Estrela de Amadora sit in eleventh spot after a home win against Paços de Ferreira and will travel to Oporto trying to ease their relegation worries a bit.

Sporting de Braga - Naval

Sporting de Braga were in wonderful form in their travel to Madeira as they beat an opponent known for being very strong in their own stadium.

Braga have been linked with a new coach for the next season, but current chief Manuel Machado may well stay on at the team if they reach the UEFA Cup.

Naval are comming off of a 2-1 win over Leixões but have not waved goodbye to the relegation threat yet, which is why they will be eager to stay in winning ways.

Marítimo - Benfica

Benfica coach Fernando Chalana did not enjoy the best of debuts as his side suffered a 1-0 defeat against Getafe in the UEFA Cup, resulting in 3-1 aggregate elimination.

With Guimarães and Setúbal in a close chase for the second place, Benfica come into round 23 seeking nothing less than all the three points.

This game marks Óscar Cardozo's return to the Benfica line-up after missing the trip to the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez because of suspension.

Marítimo are now 8th after their defeat to Setúbal last week and will try to break the curse that has seen them not win a single game against Benfica in their own stadium with a Brazilian coach in charge.

Sporting - Nacional

Sporting are in dire need of a victory to get back on track and still dream about the second place after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Guimarães.

The Lions were far from marvellous against Bolton, but it was more than enough to see them progress to the UEFA Cup Quarter-finals.

Nacional were last seen in a home defeat to Braga and travel to Lisbon knowing that they may well move down in the table in case of another poor result.