FC Porto vs Moreirense Prediction: Two Defensive Sides In The Primeira Liga Lock Horns

FC Porto will welcome Moreirense to the Estádio do Dragão in the 18th round of the Primeira Liga.

The Dragons are presently enjoying a three-match winning streak at home, having lost only one of their eight matches. With such an impressive display, they aim to capitalize on their momentum, seeking a comfortable victory to extend their winning streak to four.

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between FC Porto vs. Moreirense, probable lineups, match facts, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

FC Porto

Form: WDWLW

FC Porto has initiated the year 2024 on a positive note, remaining undefeated in their last three matches across all competitions. After being held to an unfortunate 1-1 draw against ten-man Boavista in their first match, they went on to compensate for their poor showing by defeating Estoril Praia 4-0 on the road in the Taça de Portugal round of 16 to book themselves a spot in the quarterfinals, where they'll get to lock horns with second-tier Santa Clara next month.

In their latest league match against Braga, there was no doubting their imminent victory in the least as they cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory at the Estádio do Dragão, extending their winning streak in this venue to three matches. With two defeats recorded in their last ten league matches (W7 D1), Sérgio Conceição's men have typified consistency and will seek to use that as leverage to secure another three-pointer.

With 38 points accumulated from 17 matches, FC Porto sits third in the Primeira Liga standings, two points ahead of fourth-placed Braga while their bid for a first-place finish is hindered by an eight-point deficit.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Costa; Mario, Pepe, Cardoso, Wendell; Varela, Gonzalez, Conceicao, Pepe; Galeno, Evanilson

Moreirense

Form: WLDWD

For the first time, Moreirense is challenging for European football spots this season and has been spectacular thus far for a side that recently got promoted to the top flight after a one-year stay in the second-tier league.

In their latest league match against Estoril Praia, they managed to record a comfortable 3-1 victory away from home, halting a two-match winless run against Vizela (0-0) and Casa Pia (4-1). Away from home, they've slowly started to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with, as they are unbeaten in six matches (W4 D2), not to mention that they've only suffered one defeat in nine matches, a laudable run that sees them eyeing an upset in this impending encounter.

With 29 points accumulated, Moreirense sit sixth in the Primeira Liga standings, seven points ahead of seventh-placed Famalicao and seven points behind a European football spot currently occupied by Braga in fourth place.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Kewin; Pinto, Maracas, Marcelo, Amador; Ismael, Franco; Camacho, Aparicio, Alanzinho; Kodisang

Match Facts

• FC Porto have seen the total go under 2.5 goals in five of their eight home matches in the Primeira Liga.
• Moreirense are currently on a six-match unbeaten run when playing away in the Primeira Liga.
• FC Porto averages 1.5 goals per game when playing at home, and Moreirense averages 1.33 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 29 meetings, FC Porto have won 21 times, Moreirense have won 2 times, and there have been 6 draws, with the goal difference being 61-21 in favor.

Expert Betting Tips

Moreirense enters this match without any intimidation from FC Porto, drawing inspiration from their commendable performance this season, which has seen them notch five wins out of their last nine matches, making them a surprise package for causing an upset.

Considering that both sides have displayed a solid defense in their matches this season, there might be little to no fireworks when it comes to goals, and as such, we anticipate the total to go under 2.5 goals, which should surface.

• Goals - Under 2.5 for 2.00
• Handicap 2 (+1.5) for 1.9
• Corners - Under 9.5 for 1.89