Primeira Liga predictions: Round 15. 19/12-23/12
Estoril – Braga
The hosts have been unable to win for four matches, while the visitors have done so quite confidently. Braga is in excellent form and clearly does not intend to slow down. The team has won most of the head-to-head encounters against Estoril and is now simply obliged to continue this trend. No surprises expected.
Match Prediction for Estoril – Braga: Away win
Gil Vicente – Rio Ave
It seems the successful play of the home team is a thing of the past. Gil Vicente has failed to win in the last four matches, and the level of opponents was clearly not top-notch. Their trademark defense has also started to falter, as the club conceded in three out of those four matches. Rio Ave, on the other hand, tries to fight in every match, but clearly lacks stability. A mix of wins and losses is the ceiling for the team at the moment. All streaks end sooner or later. Surely, Gil Vicente must win now. Too many draws lately. One accurate strike might be enough for a victory.
Match Prediction for Gil Vicente – Rio Ave: Home win
Estrela – Moreirense
An interesting match between mid-table teams, as neither is in optimal form. Both teams concede a lot and sometimes just can't compete. Predicting a winner will be difficult, but there are other options. Let's look at the head-to-heads: the last three ended with both teams scoring. We believe in the continuation of this trend, after all, Estrela has conceded 22 goals in 14 rounds, and Moreirense has conceded as many as 24 goals.
Match Prediction for Estrela – Moreirense: Both teams to score
AVS – Nacional
With the match against Sporting (0:6), AVS clearly marked its status this season. The team is likely to be a point supplier to others. Very poor form. Nacional, on the other hand, does not shine with stability, but can win, especially against lower-level clubs. It would be embarrassing to drop points in such a match, especially since the relegation zone, although far away, could be a temporary phenomenon. An obvious decision is expected in this match.
Match Prediction for AVS – Nacional: Away win
Tondela – Casa Pia
Two underdogs will play, so the value of points will be hard to describe. Both opponents lack stability and score little while conceding quite a bit. We suggest focusing on the home team's scoring ability, which has only scored 8 goals in 14 rounds. It's also worth noting that Tondela has only upset their opponents twice in the last 5 matches. This option seems like a gift.
Match Prediction for Tondela – Casa Pia: individual total of the home team under 1.5 goals
Santa Clara – Arouca
The main question in this match is whether the visitors can change their unfavorable trend. Arouca has been struggling in away games, suffering four consecutive defeats. The odds are not in their favor, as Santa Clara performs excellently at home, winning 4 out of their last 6 matches. Looking at the odds, the choice is clear. Santa Clara is expected to secure three points against their local rival.
Match Prediction for Santa Clara – Arouca: home team victory
Alverca – Porto
The "Dragons" are starting to pull away in the Primeira Liga standings. This is not surprising, as Porto has been outstanding this season. Only one draw, with all other matches ending in victories. What can Alverca do? Put up a fight, but not much more. Porto does not give chances to opponents of this level, and it's unlikely that anything will change in this match. However, a small safety net will be in place.
Match Prediction for Alverca – Porto: away team victory with a handicap (-1)
Benfica – Famalicao
The "Eagles" are in incredible form. The team has unexpectedly started scoring a lot, after all, we are dealing with José Mourinho. No defeats in the domestic league so far, but they are 8 points behind Porto. Ahead is a home match where there will clearly be no room for complacency. Famalicao, although capable of playing balanced football, won't withstand Benfica's intense pressure.
Match Prediction for Benfica – Famalicao: home team victory with a handicap (-1.5)
Vitoria Guimaraes – Sporting
Let's start with the fact that Vitoria has not lost the last two head-to-head encounters against this opponent at home. They need to break this unfavorable trend, even though the hosts are in good form. Sporting is simply better, as their victories are either more decisive or more prestigious. The visitors' attack is a topic of its own. It has incredible potential.
