So, the last few weeks have seen several European soccer leagues make a comeback following a break due to the COVID19 pandemic, including the Portuguese Premiera Liga, which is actually only five matchdays away from completion. Tonight’s match sees FC Porto (19-3-3) go up against Maritimo (5-10-10). Both teams enter the match with a “need-to-win” mindset.
FC Porto is currently in 2nd position on the league table level in points with first-placed SL Benfica but behind on goal difference. However, Maritimo is currently in 15th place, level on points with Paços de Ferreira in sixteenth, and only one place above the relegation zone. So, they need a win or at least a draw too.
If you know anything about Portuguese soccer betting, you’ll know that there are only three good teams in the league: SL Benfica, FC Porto, and Sporting Lisbon. On paper, FC Porto should be definite winners of this match. But a break from the game has seen all teams lose momentum they had earlier in the year. Maritimo is also playing to avoid relegation, which is a different kind of pressure. So, is the result of this one still cut and dry?
FC Porto vs Maritimo Predictions
Well, let’s look at some stats and facts about the game:
- FC Porto comes into this game following a 2-1 loss against FC Famalicão last week Thursday in their first game since the league’s restart. Despite losing, Porto managed to outplay Famalicão dominating ball possession and shots on goal.
- FC Porto’s strategy is focused more on team play than passing the ball to individual players. The team’s leading goal scorer is Alex Telles, with only eight goals, but he is closely followed by Zé Luís and Francisco Soares, who both have seven. The advantage of this is that anyone can score. However, the disadvantage is that there isn’t any outstanding skillful player in the squad.
- Maritimo is in fifteenth place for a reason. They have not been playing well the season, but their form has really picked up since the restart. They notched up a draw against Vitória FC in their last game. They were 1-0 up for pretty much the entire game.
- Defensively, Maritimo is quite lacking. They currently have a goal difference of -10, which is pretty terrible. Also, when Vitória FC put pressure on defensive players towards the end o the match, they were able to break through, which is not at all promising.
Our Prediction
Overall, we think that this is FC Porto’s game to lose. The team is coming off a loss against Famalicão, but keep in mind that Famalicão is currently fifth on the table and tough opposition. While trying to escape relegation tends to bring out a certain type of toughness in teams, Porto knows that the league title is going to come down to the wire this year and may depend on goal difference.
The moneyline on this one is completely horrible, so we say stick FC Porto for the spread or the game for the over if you really want to make some money.
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John Ford has been writing online gambling content for over 18 years. Born and raised in the heart of the Short Pump, Virginia, John’s journey through the casino industry began on the casino floor itself. He started as a dealer in various games, including blackjack, poker, and baccarat, cultivating an understanding that only hands-on experience can provide. John’s passion for writing casino guides stems from his casino experience and his passion for helping fellow punters. His articles are more than reviews; they are narratives that guide both novices and seasoned players through the labyrinth of online casinos.
