Jorge Silva and Luiz Carlos will miss out through injury. Only the former was expected to start and will likely be replaced by Rui Pires in the middle of the park. Nigel Thomas put in a promising performance last time out and should earn a starting spot on Monday. César Peixoto opted for a 3-4-3 formation, but will likely switch to a 4-3-3 here. Cariello and Aponzá will be in competition to start up front. Carlinhos remain injured, which opens the starting XI door to Paulo Estrela. Pedrão should feature at the heart of the defence, moving Filipe Relvas to left-back.