Santa Clara vs Porto: Match Preview, Predictions, and Team News
Santa Clara will host Primeira Liga leaders Porto at Estadio de Sao Miguel this Sunday for a pivotal match in round 17 of the league. The home team is struggling, having not secured a victory in their last three matches (1 draw, 2 losses). In contrast, Porto arrives in outstanding form, with six consecutive wins in all competitions.
Match Preview: Santa Clara vs Porto
This upcoming clash presents a significant challenge for Santa Clara. They currently sit just two points above the relegation playoff zone, having accumulated 16 points from 15 matches (4 wins, 4 draws, 7 losses). Their latest performances include a goalless draw with Arouca, a 1-0 loss to Braga, and an extra-time defeat in the Taca de Portugal against Sporting. A recurring issue for Santa Clara has been their inability to score, totaling only 11 goals so far, which ranks them second to last in the league.
Meanwhile, Porto’s recent league run has been impressive. They have secured maximum points in 15 of their 16 matches, with their only setback coming against Benfica. The team is currently five points clear at the top of the league table and is eager to increase their lead as they aim to maintain their position above second-placed Sporting Lisbon.
Recent Performance
- Santa Clara: Last three matches: LLD
- Porto: Last six matches: WWWWWW
Team News
Santa Clara faces several hurdles, with Diogo Calila unavailable due to international duty and Serginho suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card. Pedro Pacheco continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury. Additionally, defender MT is a doubt for the match after leaving the previous game early.
Porto has bolstered their squad with veteran defender Thiago Silva’s return, though he might not be fit to play yet. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s status is uncertain after being substituted in the last match, meaning Claudio Ramos may take his place. Porto also has confirmed absentees due to injuries, including Luuk de Jong and Nehuen Perez.
Possible Lineups
Santa Clara: Batista; Venancio, Lima, Rocha; Soares, Firminho, Ferreira, Victor, Wendell; Brenner, Silva
Porto: Ramos; Fernandes, Kiwior, Bednarek, Moura; Froholdt, Rosario, Mora; Pepe, Samu, Sainz
Match Prediction
Based on their current forms, it seems likely that Porto will defeat Santa Clara 2-0. Porto has the league’s best defensive record, boasting 12 clean sheets in 16 matches, making it tough for an underperforming Santa Clara side to find the back of the net.
