Football Season Guide

Estoril finished 8th last season despite having the 5th best attack – 48 goals scored in 34 rounds. Played open and attractive football but defensive frailties saw them win only 12 games D10 L12. Both Yanis Begraoui and the super-sub Alejandro Marqués finished with 11 goals each. The latter scored vital late goals numerous times, while Begraoui proved to be very productive late in the season. Both are staying put for now, so Estoril should continue to be scoring plenty of goals. Scottish coach Cathro made some tactical mistakes in his first year in charge. Estoril got punished several times for too open and risky formations. The manager talked in pre-season how he has analysed in detail these errors of his and this bodes well for him not repeating them. The off-season has been good so far. The only regular to leave is wing-back Pina. At the same time, the midfield has been strengthened. Pizzi and Lominadze provide new ideas and options in that area. Young CF Edwards arrived from Arsenal’s Academy. He’s likely to be used sporadically but some predict he could become the next super-sub. The main issues last season were in defence and it is worrying that Estoril are yet to sign any new defenders. The few players in those positions that returned from loans are not expected to play much, even if they stay at the club. Right now there are only 2 typical CBs on the roster [Boma and Bacher] so Estoril look incomplete. This could change by the end of the transfer window. However, as things stand more problems at the back, at least in the early rounds, seem to be guaranteed.