Porto will return to the Estadio do Dragao under mounting pressure this Friday as they host Moreirense in a must-win clash that could shape the final stretch of their bid for European qualification.
Having seen Braga drop points just a day before, the Dragons squandered a golden chance to reclaim third place in the Primeira Liga standings last weekend, but instead they stumbled to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Estrela Amadora.
Match preview
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That result marked Porto's seventh league loss of the campaign and their second in the last four outings, a run that has left them stuck in fourth place on 62 points, two behind Braga in third.
The manner of that showing has sparked outrage among supporters, some of whom have gone as far as calling for Martin Anselmi's resignation in the wake of yet another setback on the road.
However, Porto's fortunes at the Dragao paint a slightly different picture, having picked up 36 points from 15 Primeira Liga matches at the venue this season, a tally bettered only by Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.
The Blue and Whites have struck 33 goals in the process, and even more impressive is their defensive record in front of their fans, having conceded just ten times on their turf, although half of those have come in their last two matches.
The Dragons have made the Dragao a graveyard for Moreirense, winning all 15 of their home encounters against the Green and Whites across all competitions.
That dominance was on full display when they travelled to Moreira de Conegos last December, coming away with a commanding 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture, a performance they will be desperate to replicate as they look to steady their campaign.
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Meanwhile, Moreirense make the trip with their top-flight status already secured, sitting 10th on the table with 36 points and safely 12 clear of the relegation playoff zone with just three games left to play.
Despite having guaranteed their safety, the 2024-25 campaign has fallen short of expectations for the visitors, who managed a club-record 55 points last season and equalled their highest-ever finish of sixth, making this term feel somewhat underwhelming.
Consistency has been the main issue for the Moreira club, with their nine league victories scattered across long winless spells, and although they showed glimpses of form between March 3 and April 6 with a five-match unbeaten stretch (W2), Gilberto Andrade's men have now gone three matches without tasting success.
Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Nacional in Andrade's first match in charge, snapping a two-game losing run and offering a foundation to build on as Moreirense seek to end the season on a strong note.
Team News
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Given the disappointing display last weekend, wholesale changes cannot be ruled out, with Martim Fernandes and Samu Aghehowa both candidates to be thrown into the lineup as Anselmi seeks a response.
Diogo Costa remains sidelined through injury after missing out last time, so Claudio Ramos is in line for another start in goal, while Vasco Sousa and Marco Grujic are still unavailable through fitness issues.
There is some good news on the flanks, however, as Goncalo Borges returns from suspension and will likely challenge Pepe for the left-wing slot, with Rodrigo Mora expected to operate down the right.
Moreirense boss Andrade will be forced into several changes for this trip, with Lawrence Ofori ruled out through injury, meaning Ivo Rodrigues is expected to step into midfield once again to partner the experienced Pedro Aparicio.
Both Guilherme Liberato and Hernani are also unfit, while Benny misses out through suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season, paving the way for Joel Jorquera to be handed a starting role out wide.
Yan Maranhao, who found the net in last weekend's draw, will be pushing for a starting role up front, with Guilherme Schettine and Luis Asue likely to drop to the bench as a result.
Porto possible starting lineup:
Ramos; Marcano, Eustaquio, Pedro; Moura, Varela, Vieira, Fernandes; Mora, Aghehowa, Pepe
Moreirense possible starting lineup:
Kewin; Frimpong, Marcelo, Maracas, Pinto; Rodrigues, Ismael, Alan; Teguia, Maranhao, Jorqueria
We say: Porto 2-0 Moreirense
Porto may not enter this encounter in their best form, but with third place still within reach and their imperious record against Moreirense offering a confidence boost, the Dragons are expected to bounce back with a win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
