Porto vs. Estoril Praia – Preview, Prediction, Team news, Lineups – Football News, Previews, Predictions, Transfers

Porto kicks off the Primeira Liga weekend as they face off against bottom-of-the-table Estoril Praia at Estadio do Dragao on Friday night.

Match Preview

Sergio Conceicao’s side has shown resilience after their defeat to bitter rivals Benfica at the end of September, managing to stay in the race for the top spot.

In the Primeira Liga, perfection is usually required to secure the championship. Despite Porto’s impressive start, they find themselves three points behind the leaders.

However, after two losses to Benfica this season (including the Super Cup), Porto has managed to stay within touching distance of the unbeaten league leaders, Sporting Lisbon.

Returning to home soil after three consecutive away games in different competitions, Porto secured victories in each match.

Their most remarkable win was in the Champions League against Antwerp, where they came back from a goal down at halftime to win 4-1.

Following their European victory, Porto achieved consecutive 2-0 wins in the league and cup, further enhancing their winning streak.

Considering Estoril’s current form and lack of challenging fixtures until mid-December, Conceicao may prioritize the Champions League in the coming month.

Porto is in a strong position to qualify, having won two of their first three group games.

Estoril will be hoping for a miracle and for Porto to underestimate them.

On paper, this match seems like a mismatch as the visitors have not won a league game in two-and-a-half months.

While cup competitions have provided temporary relief for Vasco Seabra’s team, they have lost all three league games since he took over in late September.

Despite winning all four cup matches this season, Estoril has been unable to replicate that form in the league.

Since their victory against Rio Ave on matchday two, Estoril has only managed one point out of a possible 21.

Their recent 1-0 defeat against Portimonense kept them at the bottom of the table for another week.

Their chances at the Dragao stadium appear even slimmer when looking at their past record against Porto.

Estoril has only managed to beat Porto once in 28 meetings, which occurred back in 2014.

Porto Primeira Liga form:

D W W L W W

Porto form (all competitions):

L L W W W W

Estoril Praia Primeira Liga form:

L L D L L L

Estoril Praia form (all competitions):

D W L L W L

Team News

Porto has several players sidelined with injuries ahead of this crucial match and an important Champions League game next week.

Galeno missed the previous game due to a muscle injury and remains doubtful for this match. Gabriel Veron is also suffering from a similar issue.

Wendell, Ivan Jaime, and Zaidu Sanusi are out with muscular problems, with their returns expected soon. However, Ivan Marcano is ruled out for the season due to an ACL injury.

Since returning from his own injury, Evanilson has been in outstanding form, scoring five goals in five games, despite only starting twice.

Evanilson’s hat-trick against Antwerp in the Champions League was the first by a Porto player in the competition since Yacine Brahimi in 2014.

He joined the list of players, including Mohamed Salah, to achieve this feat from the bench.

Estoril’s only absentee is former Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala, who has missed the last eight matches.

After another disappointing performance last weekend, changes are likely in Seabra’s team as he searches for his first league win.

One player expected to feature is Joao Marques, who has contributed to five goals this season but has been a substitute in the last three league games.

Possible Starting Lineups:

Porto:

• Diogo Costa;
• Joao Mario, Jose Pedro, David Carmo, Andre Franco;
• Pepe, Nico, Grujic, Francisco Conceicao;
• Evanilson, Taremi

Estoril Praia:

• Marcelo Carne;
• Vital, Volnei Freitas, Pedro Alvaro;
• Rodrigo Gomes, Mateus Fernandes, Holsgrove, Tiago Araujo;
• Guitane, A Marques, Joao Marques

Prediction:

Porto is the clear favorite to secure another comfortable victory. Even with potential changes in the lineup, they are expected to dominate the match.

Having not won a league game in nearly three months, Estoril faces an uphill battle at the Dragao stadium. It could be another challenging night for them.

• Our prediction: Porto 3-0 Estoril Praia