Primeira Liga predictions: Round 18. 16/01-19/01
Sporting vs Casa Pia
A fairly predictable match in terms of the winner, the main question remains the choice of bet. Sporting is expected to win, at least based on class alone. Yes, there are personnel issues, but they are unlikely to be an obstacle in the match against this opponent. Casa Pia looks too weak to compete against the giant.
Match Prediction for Sporting vs Casa Pia: Home team's individual total over 2.5 goals
Gil Vicente vs Nacional
The hosts have five consecutive draws, which can be considered a strange result. There were clear points dropped, but this also includes the match against Sporting (1:1). Gil Vicente has conceded in four consecutive matches, and Nacional can capitalize on wastefulness (21 goals scored in 17 rounds). However, every bad streak has its end, and it's better if it happens in a home match. Gil Vicente has a good head-to-head record against the opponent and can win even if they concede again.
Match Prediction for Gil Vicente vs Nacional: Home win
Alverca vs Moreirense
Both teams are in roughly the same form, so an interesting battle is expected. Head-to-head meetings also don't provide much information as there have been few. However, there is an important factor: the weak defenses of the opponents, which regularly concede. A high-scoring scenario is possible here, as both clubs need points, but they often acquire them with difficulty.
Match Prediction for Alverca vs Moreirense: Total over 2 goals
AVS vs Arouca
A battle of the underdogs, which is unlikely to attract a neutral fan. The teams are too poor to compete equally with others in the Primeira. At the moment, the visitors look better in form, but they don't have a decisive advantage. It makes sense to think there won't be many goals, as the need for points is crucial. Bet against the attack of AVS, for whom every goal is hard-earned.
Match Prediction for AVS vs Arouca: Home team's individual total under 1 goal
Rio Ave vs Benfica
José Mourinho's team lost to Porto in an important match, so it's hard to imagine how high their motivation will be. In the league, the situation is quite normal, but they cannot let the leader slip away. Benfica must defeat the weaker opponent, and the attack needs to prove its competence. It's necessary to make amends to their fans.
Match Prediction for Rio Ave vs Benfica: Away team's individual total over 2 goals
Santa Clara vs Famalicão
The visitors have one of the best defenses in the league, while the hosts do not have an optimal attack. Famalicão is not in form,therefore, attentiveness in the upcoming match is a crucial aspect for him. Santa Clara hasn't distanced itself much from the opponent, having not won for a long time, and a home match is not a cause for celebration for the fans. We expect limited scoring, and the fate of the match might be decided by just one goal.
Prediction for the Santa Clara vs Famalicão match: total under 2.5 goals
Tondela vs Braga
Braga has a tight schedule, but it's too early to relax. The team is climbing in the league, and dropping points against a lower-table opponent is not an option. Head-to-head meetings show a significant advantage for the visitors, as they have won five consecutive matches. Tondela, on the other hand, is not shining with results right now. The hosts have lost 7 out of their last 10 matches, only occasionally showing interesting football. We do not expect any surprises in this match.
Prediction for the Tondela vs Braga match: away win with a handicap (-1)
Vitória Guimarães vs Porto
The "Dragons" are in excellent form. The team is unstoppable. Vitória was quite unlucky: the defeat in the League Cup is hardly forgotten. That result was a sensation. Although the hosts are playing well, they are unlikely to do much against Farioli's squad. Porto is just too good. We don't see any intrigue here.
Prediction for the Vitória Guimarães vs Porto match: away win with a handicap (-1)
Estrela vs Estoril
One point separates the teams in the table, and they are in the middle of it. The opponents impress with their attacking aggression, but lack consistency. Head-to-head meetings suggest a high-scoring scenario: the teams often hit the over. In these circumstances, a repeat of this scenario is possible, as no one intends to abandon aggressive attacking play.
