FC Porto vs FC Arouca Prediction: The Arouquenses Are Worth A Goal In This Encounter!

FC Porto made the trip to Estádio dos Arcos to lock horns with Rio Ave in the third match day of the Primeira Liga on Monday, and while they expected their assignment to be a straightforward one, they found themselves struggling to break down their opponents' unwavering defense while trailing by a goal in the 52nd minute. However, a stroke of luck graced them in the dying embers of the game, as stoppage-time goals from Galeno and Ivan Marcano ensured that they snatched a 2-1 victory.

This was their third consecutive 2-1 victory in the league, having seen off the threat of Moreirense and Farense in their first two opening matches by the same scoreline; however, those weren't comfortable wins, to say the least. With a surge of momentum circulating in their camp, there's no denying that they will be eyeing their fourth consecutive victory this time around in a more convincing manner.

Since their 2-1 defeat to Gil Vicente at the Estádio do Dragão in February of the previous season, Sérgio Conceição's men have since turned out to be a sight for sore eyes, winning seven consecutive matches, and will be eager to build upon this momentum to put in their record books an eight consecutive victory.

They presently occupy second place with 9 points, level on points with Vitoria SC in first place and Sporting CP in third place, while they have maintained a four-point lead over their opponents in this impending clash.

Formation: 4-4-2

D. Costa; Z. Sanusi, I. Marcano, Pepe, Joao Mário; W. Galeno, S. Eustáquio, N. Gonzalez, Pepê; T. Martinez, M. Taremi

Arouca have managed to avoid defeat in their opening three matches of the Primeira Liga, boasting two draws and one win, a run that is considered commendable in the eyes of fans and pundits, but not to Daniel Ramos, who feels his side's performance in those matches was definitely something amiss, a lack of creativity in the final third.

And this was relevant on the European scene, where they failed to build up their one-goal advantage over SK Brann in the second leg of the European Conference League third qualifying round, losing 3-1 on the road with the aggregate score in the game's conclusion reading 4-3, despite having twice as many attempts at goal as their opponent, 11-5.

In the league, they have been swamped with back-to-back draws, picking up a nail-biting 2-2 draw against Vizela on the road and salvaging a point in a 1-1 draw against underdogs Portimonense at home despite being the superior side in all aspects of the game. Away from home, they have won just one of their last six matches dating back to the previous season while picking up three losses and two draws, and with this, their confidence is undeniably at an all-time low.

They presently occupy sixth place with 5 points, four points behind first place, and have maintained a one-point lead over Casa Pia in seventh place and Famalicao in eighth place.

Formation: 4-3-3

I. de Arruabarrena; T. Esgaio, N. Galovic, R. Gomes Fernandes, Quaresma; M. Sylla, P. Santos, D. Simao; Jason, R. Mujica, C. Gonzalez

• FC Porto have won three consecutive matches in the Primeira Liga.
• FC Arouca have won just one of their last eight matches against FC Porto.
• FC Porto averages 2.2 goals per game when playing at home and FC Arouca averages 1.5 goals per game when playing away.

In the last 13 meetings, FC Porto have won 12 times, FC Arouca have won 1 times and there have been 0 draws with the goal difference being 39-6 in favor of FC Porto.

FC Porto have been in fine form since the start of the season, though they have not fully exceeded expectations with their unconvincing and late theatric performances. Their unwavering dominance in this fixture, which has seen them avoid defeat in their last 13 matches while picking up a staggering 12 wins, suggests a commanding win at the Estádio do Dragão. Their home record of 15 wins in 17 matches in the previous season provides additional advantage to their likelihood of a commanding win.

FC Arouca know that their chances of causing an upset here seem unlikely against a side surging with momentum and it's also worth mentioning that they have won just one of their last seven away matches in this match up with their last win dating back to 2016 making this clash a daunting task in their bid for a favorable outcome.

Sérgio Conceição's squad has shown defensive weaknesses, conceding goals in each of their opening three games in the Primeira Liga. It's likely that their defense will be breached once again as they take on a FC Arouca side that scored a goal in 12 of their last 17 away matches in the previous season. Therefore, we anticipate goals at both ends of the pitch.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 2.00
• Total - Over 3 for 1.82
• CS - 2-1 for 9.30