Primeira Liga predictions: Round 13. 05/12-08/12
Benfica – Sporting
This is the central match of the round, and it will be played earlier than the others. Two giants will face off, who occupy the second and third positions in the championship. It's also worth noting that both teams are in excellent form. This is an important battle where dropping points is not an option, as Porto could extend their lead. It's clear that we shouldn't expect attacking football, especially since one of the clubs is coached by José Mourinho. Most likely, Benfica will not rush events and will play defensively. This is a key factor that could affect the overall scoring outcome. Finally, it's worth mentioning that most of the recent head-to-head encounters between the opponents have been low-scoring. In the last five instances, the teams did not surpass the two-goal mark in regular time.
Match Prediction for Benfica – Sporting: Total under 3 goals
Santa Clara – Casa Pia
Both clubs are in the lower part of the standings and need points. Santa Clara appears much more stable for now, while Casa Pia lacks defensive reliability. The visitors have conceded a lot (26 goals in 12 rounds). We expect attacking football, as Santa Clara needs to impress their fans, while Casa Pia always tries to play aggressively. The clash of styles could lead to a high-scoring game, as has often been the case in their head-to-head meetings. It makes sense to consider a high-scoring scenario, especially since the bookmaker offers quite acceptable odds.
Match Prediction for Santa Clara – Casa Pia: Total over 1.5 goals
AVS – Rio Ave
The hosts, hopelessly stuck at the bottom of the table, will play against a fighting Rio Ave. Rio Ave has been looking decent lately, even though they haven't been picking up points. They have gone two rounds without a loss, and the schedule is in their favor. AVS looks extremely poor, having lost their last match 0-4 (to Vitória Guimarães). Our bet will focus on scoring. AVS concedes too much and too often, and there is a quite obvious and very profitable option on the line.
Match Prediction for AVS – Rio Ave: Away team total over 1 goal
Famalicão – Braga
Braga is already sixth in the championship and won their last match 4-0. Overall, the visitors are in good form and are playing at full strength. Famalicão, on the other hand, is also not lagging behind in collecting points and is one position higher. The team has conceded few goals (only 7 in 12 rounds) and strives to play in a balanced manner. In this case, the statistics of head-to-head meetings are interesting: the last five ended with both teams scoring. Based on this, it makes sense to consider such a bet, especially since a 1-1 draw is always a possibility.
Match Prediction for Famalicão – Braga: Both teams to score
Estoril – Moreirense
The opponents who will face off are not known for their discipline and are positioned in the middle of the league table. We can expect an exciting game since both clubs average more than a goal per match throughout the season. The idea of a high-scoring encounter is also supported by their head-to-head meetings: the last four included many goals. The choice is obvious, considering the numbers offered by the bookmaker.
Match Prediction for Estoril – Moreirense: Total Over 2 Goals
Alverca – Nacional
Let's start with the fact that both opponents regularly concede a lot in the championship. Alverca has made 19 mistakes, while Nacional has 17. These figures should set the tone for their head-to-head meeting, especially since both teams need points and are not in their best form in the last month. We will try to take a high-scoring scenario, considering that it worked in previous head-to-head meetings, plus the recent games of the teams were also rich in goals.
Match Prediction for Alverca – Nacional: Total Over 2.5 Goals
Estrela – Arouca
Both teams have won two matches this season, but Estrela has two more points. The hosts are currently close to the relegation zone, and the match against Arouca is a chance to pull away. The visitors are at the bottom of the table and cannot find their game. Estrela, in our opinion, has a better chance of success. The team won the head-to-head meeting at home last year, and now they need to make amends to their fans for the crushing defeat by Sporting last week. Arouca, on the other hand, is on a five-game losing streak and far from ideal. The odds on Estrela are a great chance to earn.
Match Prediction for Estrela – Arouca: Home Win
Tondela – Porto
It seems there are plenty of betting options in this match. Porto is in excellent form and is unlikely to drop points. The club confidently leads the championship, having not lost a single match. Tondela, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the table and is not known for disciplined football. Head-to-head meetings are entirely in favor of Porto: the "Dragons" usually do not spare their opponents. We will choose a fairly simple solution.
Match Prediction for Tondela – Porto: Away Win with Handicap (-1)
Vitoria Guimaraes – Gil Vicente
The hosts have won three matches in a row, while the visitors surprised by losing their last match. This away game will not be easy for Gil Vicente, as the club has lost three consecutive head-to-head meetings against Vitoria. Even their defense might not help, considering how powerful the opponent's attack is. Gil Vicente struggles to surpass the 1.5 goals barrier, which could be a decisive factor in this game. Scoring just one goal might not be enough for success.
