Santa Clara vs FC Porto Prediction: Vouching For Os Açoreanos Goal In This Tense Affair

Santa Clara will welcome FC Porto to the Estadio de Sao Miguel in the second round of the Primeira Liga. 

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

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Santa Clara

After a one-year absence, Santa Clara stormed back into top-flight action with a bang as they thrashed Estoril Praia 4-1 at the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota over the weekend. In that match, they were trailing behind a goal with Alejandro Marqués scoring in the 19th minute; however, this just pumped up their resolve, staging a comeback that saw Vinicius netting a goal in the 44th minute, Safira scoring a penalty in the 70th, Ricardinho adding another in the 74th, and João Costa finishing it off with a goal in the 83rd minute.

With three points on board, Santa Clara are relishing their moment at the top and will want to maintain their position as they are level on point with five other teams in the Primeira Liga standings.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Batista; Lima, Vanancio, A. Silva; Soares, Ferreira, Firmino, Araujo; Lopes, Safira, G. Silva

FC Porto

FC Porto commenced the current season on a positive note. Thanks to goals from Galeno, Iván Jaime, and Namaso, they were able to defeat Gil Vicente 3-0 at the Estádio do Drago, a result that came as no surprise given their dominance against Tozé Marreco's men.

With three points on the board, FC Porto occupies second place in the Primeira Liga standings and is level on points with league leaders Santa Clara and four other teams. Aware that they can't afford to drop points if they are to maintain their position, they'll be seeking their second consecutive win.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Costa; Fernandes, Ze Pedro, Otavio, Galeno; Eustaquio, Varela; Borges, Gonzalez, Jaime; Namaso

Match Facts

• Santa Clara is currently on a nine-match winning streak across all competitions.
• FC Porto have won three matches in a row away from home in the Primeira Liga.
• Santa Clara averages 2.8 goals per game when playing at home, and FC Porto averages 2.7 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 17 meetings, Santa Clara have won 1 time, FC Porto have won 15 times, and there has been 1 draw, with the goal difference being 35-9 in favor of FC Porto.

Expert Betting Tips

Santa Clara head into this match having avoided defeat in their last nine matches, a run that extends to their previous season in the Liga Portugal 2. Despite a not-so-impressive record in this fixture, they'll be hopeful of a positive result in this one.

FC Porto have been the dominant side in this fixture and are favorites with bookmakers to secure their second consecutive league win. However, a win would extend their winning run to 14 matches in addition to their performance from last season.

Considering that five of their last seven encounters have seen both sides get on the scoreboard, we anticipate a similar showing here.

• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.90
• Total - Over 2.5 for 1.69
• FC Porto & Over 2.5 for 1.96