Preview: Porto vs. Famalicao - prediction, team news, lineups

Porto, who are currently unbeaten in each of their last 13 matches across all competitions, will be looking to maintain this solid run and strengthen their position in the upper echelons standings of the league table.

Match preview

Porto extended their unbeaten run to continue their hunt for a record-setting fifth Taca de Portugal title when they cruised to a 4-0 home victory over Arouca in the round of 16 last Wednesday.

After taking a one-goal lead into half time courtesy of a 31st-minute strike from Wenderson Galeno, Spanish forward Toni Martinez struck three goals in the second period to dump the Arouquenses out of the cup race.

Sergio Conceicao's men now turn their attention to the Primeira Liga, where they are currently on a five-game unbeaten run, claiming three wins and two draws since October's 1-0 loss against Benfica.

Porto have picked up 10 wins, three draws and lost two of their 15 league matches to collect 33 points and sit third in the league table, one point behind second-placed Braga and six off league leaders Benfica.

The Dragoes' solid campaign so far has been owing to their impressive form on home turf, where they have won seven of their eight league matches this season and are currently unbeaten in seven consecutive matches across all competitions since the start of November.

However, their next task puts them against a spirited Famalicao side who have found a renewed sense of purpose and are currently on a run of four consecutive victories across all competitions.

Joao Pedro Sousa's side head into the weekend off the back of booking their place in the last four of the Taca de Portugal after edging out a dogged Leixoes side 2-1 in extra time at the Sea Stadium last Tuesday.

Thalis Cantanhede converted his spot kick in the eighth minute of stoppage time to cancel out Alexandre Penetra's 77th-minute opener and force extra time but Jhonder Cadiz netted in the 108th minute to hand the visitors a hard-earned victory.

Famalicao now turn their attention to the Primeira Liga where they will be looking to pick up a third successive victory after seeing off Chaves and Vizela in their most recent two outings.

The Vila Nova's recent rejuvenation has seen them steer clear of the relegation places as they now sit 13th in the league table and could move level on 20 points with eighth-placed Boavista with a win this weekend.

However, Famalicao must overcome the challenge of a Porto side against whom they have lost each of the last four meetings between the teams since a 2-1 victory in June 2020.

Porto Primeira Liga form:

L

D

W

W

W

D

Porto form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

D

W

Famalicao Primeira Liga form:

W

L

D

L

W

W

Famalicao form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

W

W

Team News

Porto remain without Brazilian forward Evanilson, who has missed the last three matches after sustaining a knee injury in December,s game against Gil Vicente.

Goalkeeper Francisco Meixedo is battling a ligament injury, while Nigerian international Zaidu Sanusi is currently recuperating from a groin problem.

Martinez turned in a superb individual performance in the cup win over Arouca and the 25-year-old should retain his role in the XI, teaming up with striker partner Mehdi Taremi.

Meanwhile, Famalicao will take to the pitch without the services of Portuguese forward Theo Fonseca, who has been sidelined since October through an ACL injury.

Former Benfica forward Cadiz will serve a one-match suspension after picking up a red card late in the extra-time victory over Leixoes in midweek.

In his absence, Stade Rennais loanee Junior Kadile, who has 11 league appearances this season, will push for a place in the XI, while teenage winger Pablo Felipe should be handed his sixth consecutive start across all competitions.

Porto possible starting lineup:

Costa; Mario, Cardoso, Marcano, Wendell; Otavio, Grujic, Uribe; Galeno, Veron, Taremi

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Junior; Penetra, Mihaj, Riccieli, Moura; Colombatto, Assuncao, Sa; Jaime, Felipe, Kadile

We say: Porto 2-0 Famalicao

Porto and Famalicao head into the weekend in superb form and we anticipate a thrilling contest between the two in-form sides. While we expect Famalicao to put up a fight, the Dragoes boast a superior and more experienced squad and we are backing them to extend their winning streak in this fixture.

Previews by email