Verdict: Porto to score over 2.5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 17/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
The Primeira Liga will return midweek with several matches. One of the most important ones will be the one between Famalicao and FC Porto. The hosts are vying for a UEFA Europa League berth, while the visitors are the top title contenders this season. Kick-off for this game is slated for 21:15 GMT.
Famalicao
Famalicao enter this game riding a negative run of form, having won just one of their last eight league matches (D3, L4). To make things even more complicated, they have won just one of their last five games at home, drawing two and losing two. Their W1, D2, L2 form over their last five contests should be encouraging, either. However, they remain a threat to reach the UEFA Europa League zone once it’s all said and done. They currently sit in seventh place with 37 points – tied with Guimaraes – and are just one point behind Rio Ave (5th). Sporting Lisbon is out of reach with 42, but that’s not out of question if they can get hot down the stretch, either. That said, they have a tough assignment here since Porto are a bonafide title contender.
Team News
Famalicao do not have confirmed absentees ahead of this contest.
Their one probable absentee will be Fode Konate. He is dealing with an undisclosed injury.
FC Porto
FC Porto enter this matchup in sizzling form. Os Dragoes currently sit at the top of the standings with 60 points, one more than long-time rivals Benfica, and are riding a seven-game undefeated streak in the league (W6, D1). One would think they could struggle playing on the road, but Porto’s performances have been even better when playing outside their venue thanks to an 11-game undefeated streak, including five wins in a row. Porto have lost just two matches all season long and have been proficient on both ends of the pitch. They currently rank as the league’s second-best attack with 50 goals scored, and also own the league’s second-best defence after conceding just 16 goals. It’s very hard to stop them and break them down at the same time. Can Famalicao accomplish that goal while pulling the upset in front of their own crowd?
Team News
Star left-back Alex Telles has been ruled out of this match due to suspension. He will be sorely missed in this contest.
To make things slightly more complicated, Ivan Marcano has been ruled out with a knee problem. Both are regular starters in Sergio Conceicao’s side.
Key Factors to Consider
- Famalicao rank as the sixth-best team in the league based on the home record with W6, D3, L3.
- That said, the hosts have won just one of their last five home matches this season. They suffered a 7-0 loss to Guimaraes during that stretch.
- FC Porto currently own the league’s second-best record playing away from home. They are W9, D2, L1 after 12 matches.
- The visitors have also won each of their last five away matches, scoring 14 goals during that stretch.
- These two sides have played just once in the Primeira Liga this century. It happened earlier this season, and Porto won by a convincing 3-0 scoreline.
Conclusion
Porto currently own the second-best attack in the league with 50 goals, averaging over 2.0 goals per contest. That trend will continue here, as they shouldn’t have major issues to control Famalicao.
The visitors will show their superior quality and win rather comfortably, scoring at least three goals throughout the course of the match.
Verdict: Porto to score over 2.5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 17/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
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