FC Porto vs Estoril Praia Prediction: The Dragões Won't Blink Twice To A Crumbling Defense!

FC Porto welcomes Estoril Praia to the Estádio do Dragão for the 24th round of the Primeira Liga, looking to build on their 3:1 win over GD Chaves in search of their second consecutive win against a side that has been in poor form in recent weeks.

With Estoril Praia looking to return to winning ways, they know it won't be easy, let alone against a side that has been an overwhelming force when playing at home, but they'll want to be optimistic about this one and hopefully salvage something for their valiant efforts in trying to keep them at bay.

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between FC Porto vs Estoril Praia, team news, probable lineups, match facts and up to date betting odds for you to consider!

FC Porto

Form: WLWWW

Seeking an immediate response to their shocking 2:1 loss at home to Gil Vicente six days prior, the Dragões unleashed their fiery rage against GD Chaves on the road in their most recent match, which saw them spring back to life with a 3:1 victory.

With only one loss in their last 13 matches in the Primeira Liga, as well as 10 wins and two draws, it goes without saying that they have been in impressive form despite their one-time hiccup.

While their once-impressive home form was dented with a loss in the Primeira Liga to minnows Gil Vicente, it has raised concerns about whether it will be enough to see them overturn the one goal deficit they suffered in the round of 16 - the first leg against Inter Milan in the Champions League - a question that will be answered four days from now in the return leg, where their fate will be decided.

With that win against GD Chaves, they were unable to close the point gap to first place, remaining at an 8-point deficit. The upcoming matches will be critical for them not to drop any more points, as doing so would spell the end of them clinching their second consecutive title. They are currently in second place with 54 points.

Team News

FC Porto will continue to be without regular absentees Evanilson (thigh injury), Galeno (muscle injury), Francisco Meixedo (ligament injury), and Gabriel Veron (ankle injury), who are all recovering from their injuries.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Costa; Conceicao, Cardoso, Marcano, Sanusi; Franco, Eustáquio, Grujic, Pepe; Martinez, Namaso

Estoril Praia

Form: LLLLW

Ricardo Soares, who takes over following former gaffer Nélson Veríssimo's departure, was announced as the new manager ten days ago. His first game in charge was his recent outing against FC Vizela, which turned out to be a worst-case scenario for his debut as his side lost 3:0.

However, the Canarinhos were long plagued by inconsistency before he arrived, as they were on a three-game losing streak, which has now been extended to four games, and this has spelled disaster for their future in the Primeira Liga.

Their away form has been abysmal, as evidenced by a six-match losing streak, and they have only recorded three wins in their last twelve away matches, making their involvement in this match a daunting task as they strive for a more resounding result.

They are one place above the relegation playoffs, currently in 15th place with 22 points and four points behind 13th place.

Team News

Estoril Praia will continue to play without long-term absentee Lucas Africo, who suffered a muscle injury in January of this year. Aside from that, Ricardo Soars has a healthy squad to choose from ahead of this match.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Figueira; Santos, Alvaro, Mexer, Joaozinho; Gamboa, Carvalho; Gouveia, Geraldes, Guitane; Carlos

Match Facts

• FC Porto has won nine of its eleven home games in the Primeira Liga.
• Estoril Praia has conceded three goals in their last three Primeira Liga games.
• Estoril Praia is on a six-match losing streak in the Primeira Liga when playing away.
• When playing at home, FC Porto averages 2.91 goals per game, while when playing away, Estoril Praia averages 0.67 goals per game.

Head-To-Head

In the last 21 meetings, FC Porto has won 15 times, Estoril Praia has won once, and there have been 5 draws with a goal differential of 45-18 in favor of FC Porto.

Expert Betting Tips

FC Porto are far from wiping the slate clean when it comes to their home form, which was tainted by a loss six days ago, and they'll be eager to put their once unyielding home form back into action by recording a win against their opponent, who has struggled for consistency. 

And, even though they have a Champions League return against Inter Milan in the round of 16 this week, they should not be deterred from exceeding expectations in this match. As a result, an individual total of over 2.5 in their favor should be enough to see them through against a side that hasn't been convincing with their defense, allowing three goals in their last three games in the Primeira Liga.

• Total 1 - Over 2.5 for 2.12
• Anytime Goalscorer - Antonio Martinez for 1.90
• Handicap 1 -1.5 for 1.66