Estoril Praia face a tough challenge as they look to end their winless run when they host Champions League hopefuls Porto in round 27 of the Primeira Liga on Sunday.
The Canaries seek a turnaround after going three games without a win before the international break, while the visitors aim to build on their last outing to stay in the race at the top.
Match preview
© Imago
No strangers to rough patches in the Primeira Liga this season, Estoril once again find themselves in familiar struggles, having hit a three-game winless streak for the fourth time following a 1-1 stalemate at Arouca last time out.
After falling to league leaders Sporting Lisbon and surrendering a two-goal lead to draw late against relegation-threatened SC Farense, their most recent result will feel like an improvement, considering they salvaged a point at the death through Alejandro Marques's 91st-minute penalty.
Despite multiple winless spells, Estoril have enjoyed a strong campaign, with an explosive run of six victories in seven before their latest downturn playing a key role in their rise up the table.
As a result, Ian Cathro's side sit eighth in the standings with 36 points from nine wins, nine draws and eight defeats, already three more than their total haul from last season when they finished 13th.
The Canaries have thrived in attack, netting 34 times to rank as the sixth most prolific side in the division, but their defensive frailties remain a concern, with 41 goals conceded — only Rio Ave and bottom-placed Boavista have shipped more — an issue Cathro must address heading into this weekend's clash.
© Imago
Considering they boast the third-most potent attack in the league with 51 goals, Porto will be eager to capitalise on their opponents' struggles at the back.
However, history suggests this encounter is no foregone conclusion, as both sides share three wins each from their last six meetings, though the Dragons can draw inspiration from their emphatic 4-0 triumph in the reverse fixture.
Porto also aim to build momentum from their 2-0 victory over AVS last time out, looking to spark a strong run after struggling for consistency since the turn of the year.
Since closing out 2024 with three straight league wins, the Blue and Whites have failed to record back-to-back victories, with their latest success marking just their third in 10 outings in 2025, a stretch that also includes four draws and three defeats.
As a result, Porto have seen their title aspirations fade into a battle to secure a Champions League playoff spot, currently sitting third with 53 points, only ahead of fourth-placed Braga on goal difference, making this weekend's clash a must-win to avoid slipping further.
Team News
© Imago
Pedro Alvaro is the only injury concern for the hosts, opening a gap at the heart of the defence that should be filled by veteran Eliaquim Mangala, who will be extra motivated as he faces his former club.
Kevin Chamorro put in a strong performance last time out and might start in goal once again, instead of Joel Robles, who was first choice until the match against Arouca.
Marques is expected to lead the line again, though Yanis Begraoui stands as a contender in case Cathro decides to opt for a false nine.
As for the visitors, Vasco Sousa and Marko Grujic remain the expected absentees as they continue their recoveries from injury.
Fabio Vieira and Rodrigo Mora enjoyed wonderful performances last time out, and both should start, with one of them acting as the main playmaker.
After using a four-man backline last time out, with Stephen Eustaquio dropping between the centre-backs to start the build-up, Martin Anselmi should return to the usual 3-4-3 shape here.
Danny Namaso returned late from international duty, and he is not expected to start, which paves the way for Samu Aghehowa to feature up front once again.
Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Chamorro; Bacher, Boma, Mangala; Amaral, Holsgrove, Xeka, Pina; Guitane, Marques, Carvalho
Porto possible starting lineup:
Costa; Otavio, Marcano, Perez; Fernandes, Eustaquio, Varela, Moura; Vieira, Aghehowa, Mora
We say: Estoril Praia 1-2 Porto
Porto are favourites to secure a hard-fought victory, as their superior quality and need to stay competitive should see them exploit Estoril's defensive frailties despite the hosts' attacking promise.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
