Moreirense vs FC Porto Prediction: The Hosts Could Cause An Upset In Their Debut

FC Porto makes the trip to Parque Joaquim de Almeida Freitas to face newly promoted Moreirense, aiming for a strong start by securing a comfortable victory in the primeira liga's opening round.

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Moreirense

No stranger to the Primeira Liga, Moreirense enters the upcoming season with a storied history in the league. Their eight-year presence in the top tier ended abruptly after an unfortunate ordeal in the 2021–22 season, resulting in relegation. Finishing 16th with 29 points in the relegation playoffs, they fell just two points short of securing safety.

Their relegation playoff campaign saw them contend with Chaves, ultimately succumbing by an aggregate score of 2-1. This marked the beginning of a challenging phase in the Segunda Liga, where Moreirense's anticipated lengthy stay took an unexpected turn.

Under the guidance of manager Paulo Alves, Moreirense defied expectations by earning a swift promotion to the top tier. Their triumphant return came in their first attempt, securing first place in the previous Segunda Liga season with a commanding 79 points from a possible 102. This remarkable feat positioned them ten points ahead of the second-placed Farense.

Their journey in the Taca de Liga encountered an early exit in the first stage, facing a 2-1 defeat against Farense. A subsequent friendly match saw them settle for a draw against Arouca, ending 0-0.

In the forthcoming season, Moreirense's mission under Rui Borges is clear-cut: avoid immediate relegation while striving for a productive and promising campaign.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Kewin; Pinto, Santos, Marcelo, Frimpong; Franco, Ofori; Codisang, Alan, Camacho; Luis

FC Porto

FC Porto entered the previous campaign with ambitious goals, notably their pursuit to retain the league title. However, their aspirations were thwarted as Benfica clinched the top spot in the 2022–23 Primeira Liga season. FC Porto had to settle for second place, amassing 85 points, a mere two points adrift from the leading position. Their late-season charge ultimately fell short, rendering their efforts futile. Despite the league setback, FC Porto managed to redeem themselves by securing victory in the Taça de Portugal final. They defeated Braga with a 2-0 triumph, successfully retaining the silverware. This win marked their 19th addition to their trophy cabinet, though they still trail behind record-holders Benfica, who have an impressive 26 titles. In their inaugural competitive match of the current season, FC Porto faced a disappointing outcome. Their encounter against arch-rivals and reigning champions, Benfica, concluded with a 2-0 defeat in the Super Cup. This loss dashed their hopes of securing their second Super Cup victory, as they last lifted the silverware in 1987.

In their preseason preparations, the team participated in five games, achieving a mixed performance with two wins, two draws, and one loss.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Costa; Pepe, Marcano, Pepe, Sanusi; Otavio, Grujic, Eustaquio, Galeno; Navarro, Taremi

Match Facts

• Moreirense have won ten of their last 13 home matches across all competitions.
• FC Porto are undefeated in their last six away matches in this fixture.
• Moreirense averages 2.7 goals per game when playing at home, and FC Porto averages 2.2 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 28 meetings, Moreirense have won 2 times, FC Porto have won 20 times, and there have been 6 draws, with the goal difference being 59-20 in favor of FC Porto.

Expert Betting Tips

Moreirense will be hoping to make a statement to the fullest, especially at home, where they have the unwavering support of their loyal supporters behind them, but reality has marked them with a convincing defeat as they go up against a formidable FC Porto side that has maintained overt superiority over them in past meetings, and with that, their chances of suffering defeat in their debut stand at a high probability.

In the last nine meetings between these two sides, with Moreirense playing at home, goals have been seen at both ends of the pitch in six of those matches, and given a somewhat FC Porto shaky defense in the previous campaign, we anticipate the hosts to get their name on the score sheet, though that won't be enough to see them avoid defeat.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.90
• 1st Half - Draw for 2.56
• Goals - Over 2.5 for 1.60