Primeira Liga predictions: Round 20. 30/01-02/02
Vitória Guimarães vs Moreirense
The hosts are in ninth place, while the visitors are in sixth. Moreirense is starting to slip in the standings after a strong start to the season, whereas Vitória has gained momentum. Two consecutive losses do not spoil the picture as the memory of the recently won League Cup is still fresh. Moreirense, on the other hand, has decent results in the last five matches, but the level of their opponents left much to be desired. Pay attention to the head-to-head meetings: Vitória has won 4 consecutive matches at home, conceding only one goal from the opponent. An interesting trend that can be utilized.
Match Prediction for Vitória Guimarães vs Moreirense: Visitors' individual total under 1 goal
Santa Clara vs Estoril
The hosts won the first-round match with a score of 1:0. Santa Clara is capable of taking on Estoril with discipline. The visitors are overly aggressive, having scored 37 goals and conceded 31. We do not expect aggressive dynamics in the match, as Santa Clara will almost certainly play cautiously in front of their fans. Good defense here is the key to success.
Match Prediction for Santa Clara vs Estoril: Visitors' individual total under 1 goal
Rio Ave vs Arouca
These are teams with similar objectives and catastrophic defenses. The first-round match ended in a 3:3 draw, and we are likely to witness a shootout again. The winner will be the one who concedes less. In this case, the choice is quite simple: we suggest believing in a high-scoring scenario, especially since the latest matches of the clubs clearly hint at this. Again, too many goals conceded.
Match Prediction for Rio Ave vs Arouca: Total over 2.5 goals
Alverca vs Estrela
Both teams suffered crushing defeats to the giants in the last round of the championship. However, Estrela's series looks worse, and an away match does not add prospects. Alverca did not lose to the opponent in the first round and looks more interesting in this encounter. Again, thanks to fan support, especially since Alverca has won two consecutive home matches. We trust this scenario, as it seems the most optimal. After all, we are dealing with unstable teams, and the home-field advantage appears to be the main hook.
Match Prediction for Alverca vs Estrela: Home win
Gil Vicente vs Famalicão
Two of the best defenses in the league will face each other. Both teams need to redeem themselves for recent results. Famalicão played more powerfully in the last two matches, but for now, it probably doesn't mean much. Gil Vicente, on the other hand, suffered a heavy defeat to Porto in the last round (0:3). It should be understood that defense is the main asset of the clubs, so the game might become the dullest of the weekend. The last three head-to-head meetings between the opponents had an exclusively low-scoring scenario. The choice is obvious.
Prediction for the match Gil Vicente vs Famalicão: total under 2.5 goals
Sporting vs Nacional
The "Lions" advanced to the Champions League playoffs by defeating Athletic in the last round (3:2). Sporting is now on a 4-game winning streak, and it seems the team is not planning to stop. Next on the schedule is Nacional, which is not in great form. Additionally, the visitors have lost nine consecutive head-to-head encounters against their opponent. The result seems predictable, as Sporting is expected to dominate their opponents due to their high-quality form.
Prediction for the match Sporting vs Nacional: home win with a handicap (-2)
Tondela vs Benfica
This is another match involving a Champions League team. Benfica made an incredible leap into the playoffs by defeating Real Madrid in the last round (4:2). Anatoliy Trubin's goal will be remembered by fans for a long time. Tondela, on the other hand, is languishing in second-to-last place in the table and awaiting its fate, which is likely to be unenviable. It's clear what mood the "Eagles" are in right now. They will surely find the strength to thrash Tondela.
Prediction for the match Tondela vs Benfica: away win with a handicap (-1.5)
AVS vs Braga
It's certainly a favorable schedule for the "Archbishops." After their Europa League match, they will play against the last team in the Primeira, which has been underperforming since the start of the season. The first-round match ended in a 2:2 draw, which will only intensify Braga's desire to win. The favorite needs a victory here, and a convincing one at that. The visitors are in the top four of the championship, but they still need to secure their position.
Prediction for the match AVS vs Braga: away win with a handicap (-1.5)
Casa Pia vs Porto
The league leader will close out the current round. Soon, Francesco Farioli's team might be crowned champions. Porto has a huge lead and continues to go unbeaten. Modest Casa Pia is unlikely to pose a serious challenge, as they have gone 4 matches without a win, plus the first-round encounter ended in a crushing victory for Porto (4:0). The only concern is the "Dragons" participation in the Europa League, which might drain their energy. Porto is likely to secure the win, but only with a minimal advantage.
