Primeira Liga predictions: Round 19. 23/01-26/01
Casa Pia vs ABC
The hosts have already defeated this opponent in August last year. Since then, not much has changed: Casa Pia is trying to pull away from the bottom of the standings, while ABC has remained there for a long time, possibly until the end of the season. The visitors struggle in away matches, and scoring goals for them is akin to a feat. We believe that the favorite of the match will secure a victory without any problems.
Match Prediction for Casa Pia vs ABC: Home Team Victory
Moreirense vs Santa Clara
The last match was won by Moreirense (1:0). A modest result, considering how many goals the team has conceded in the current Primeira Liga season (26 goals in 18 rounds). Santa Clara, on the other hand, is slightly more disciplined, but still lacks something. In this match, we will trust the visitors' forwards: yes, they are inconsistent, but they need to make up for their blanks from the last round. Moreirense is precisely the team that can afford to concede.
Match Prediction for Moreirense vs Santa Clara: Visitors to Score
Arouca vs Sporting
It doesn't matter how the "Lions" performed in their Champions League match. Of course, European competitions are draining, but Arouca needs to be defeated, as Sporting is actively chasing Porto. Any slip-ups are unforgivable. The giant must take three points and confirm it with a powerful attack. Due to the club's possible fatigue, a little insurance might be wise.
Match Prediction for Arouca vs Sporting: Visitors' Individual Total Over 2 Goals
Estoril vs Vitória Guimarães
Both teams are looking good at this point in the season, which is surprising. Estoril relies on aggression, while Vitória has proven capable of adapting to their opponent. Just a reminder that the visitors recently won the League Cup. We suggest paying attention to the head-to-head matches played at Estoril's field: 10 out of 12 ended with only one team scoring. An interesting trend, considering that the opponents might try to minimize mistakes on their half of the field.
Match Prediction for Estoril vs Vitória Guimarães: Both Teams to Score (No)
Nacional vs Rio Ave
The clubs are striving for the middle of the table, but they clearly lack a solid defense (28 goals conceded in 18 rounds for Nacional, while Rio Ave has conceded 31 in the same period). The hosts have played five consecutive matches with both teams scoring, and the visitors have done so in 6 of their last 10 matches. The last three head-to-head encounters also ended with both teams scoring, which clearly hints at a potential bet.
Match Prediction for Nacional vs Rio Ave: Both Teams to Score
Benfica vs Estrela
The "Eagles" continue their pursuit of the leader, but Porto's lead is 10 points, with Benfica remains unbeaten this season in the championship. What can Estrela offer? Probably not much. The team is unstable, and in head-to-head meetings, they consistently lose to their opponent. However, there's a catch: this week is a European competition week. Benfica might play the match in an economical mode, meaning they might not secure a blowout victory. A positive handicap is a good decision. In the last two head-to-head matches, this scenario played out comfortably.
Match Prediction for Benfica vs Estrela: Away win with a handicap (+2.5)
Famalicão vs Tondela
The hosts finally won their last match, thus ending a losing streak. It's quite realistic to build on this success, as Famalicão's next opponent is modest Tondela, who can't seem to lift themselves from the bottom of the league table. The visitors have failed to score in two matches, and Famalicão boasts a solid defense, which is one of the best in the league. This is an important factor as it may reduce the match's goal tally. We take a proven approach and believe there will be few goals. However, the hosts have a better chance of winning.
Match Prediction for Famalicão vs Tondela: Total under 2.5 goals
Braga vs Alverca
The hosts are fortunate with the schedule, as after a Europa League match, they will play against a quite beatable opponent. For instance, in the first round match, Braga defeated Alverca 3-0. Of course, the visitors have won two matches in a row, but such form is more of an exception than the rule. Braga is the deserved favorite of the match and must win, but there are questions about the score difference, as it seems the victory won't come easily. Pay attention to the positive handicap.
Match Prediction for Braga vs Alverca: Away win with a handicap (+1.5)
Porto vs Gil Vicente
The "Dragons" are on fire. The team continues to confidently lead the championship. Their new opponent will be the solid Gil Vicente, who remains in the top four. The visitors have an excellent defense, but it will be difficult to achieve success in the upcoming round with just that. Porto, on the other hand, is versatile. They can play both defensive and attacking football. Let's recall that the first round match was won by Francesco Farioli's team (2-0). We again do not expect a large number of goals, especially since Porto will expend some energy in the Europa League match.
