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| NACIONAL x MARÍTIMO: PREVIEW |
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| © Carlo Ramos 2004 [email protected] "Viva Marítimo Online" is 100% unofficial and as a result the views expressed throughout this website do not reflect or effect those of CS Marítimo or Marítimo da Madeira S.A.D. |
| The first Madeira derby of the season takes place tonight, high upon the Funchal mountains at Nacional’s compact Estádio Eng° Rui Alves, and with the game being broadcast live on Sport TV, not only can the 3,000 spectators at the stadium enjoy the game, but Madeirenses worldwide will be able witness what will hopefully be a Marítimo win.
With 10 games played so far, the two Madeiran clubs have had very contrasting seasons. While the verde-rubros are flirting with the big three at the top end of the table, the alvi-negros are failing to live up to pre-season expectations, straggling in 12th position. However, while current form and performance suggest Marítimo will claim the 3 points, the statistics say otherwise, favouring Nacional. So far this season Marítimo have only managed to win 1 game away from home (1-0 against Sporting), where as Nacional have yet to lose at home. Also, historically the team that is placed lower down in the league standings are more likely to win than the team higher up. Statistics aren’t the only problems the verde-rubros will have to deal with, as a number of injuries to key players have caused headaches for head coach Mariano Barreto. Despite recovering from their injuries, Wênio and leading scorer Bibishkov are deemed unfit for the game. Joining them is Silas, who has spent most of the season on the sidelines with his long term injury. It is probable that Barreto will go with the same eleven players that started against Benfica last week (1-1), with Pena and Manduca both quickly recovering from mid-week knocks. Only two changes have been made to the squad that faced Benfica last Saturday (1-1), with Dudu and Fernando being replaced by Evaldo (Back from suspension) and Rui Marques. The selected players for today’s game are: Goalkeepers: Marcos, Nélson. Defenders: Luís Filipe, Mitchell, Tonel, Briguel, Eusébio, Rui Marques. Midfielders: Zeca, Evaldo, Paulinho, Alan, Léo Lima, Chaínho, Joel Santos. Forwards: Souza, Pena, Manduca. BARRETO: JUST LIKE AN OTHER GAME Mariano Barreto yesterday claimed that the confrontation with local rivals Nacional is no different to an other game. “I do not feel it, but it seems that the rivalry does exist. It does not feel like a different like a different game to any other - the ambition is to win, whatever the opposition. I have no special feeling and neither I feel, do my players, “ claimed Barreto, looking to ease the pressure on the players. Carlo Ramos ([email protected]) Discuss this story and others at the CS Marítimo Online Forums - www.csmaritimo-online.com. |
| Friday 19 November 2004 |