Santa Clara vs FC Porto Prediction & Betting Tips (7 February)

Leader of the second division with 43 points after 20 days, Santa Clara was still in the first division last season but unfortunately experienced relegation. The primary objective of the leaders is obviously to return to the elite but granting themselves the right to dream in the Cup cannot be ruled out. Note however that during the previous rounds, the locals took out Nacional TAB, O Elvas CAD TAB or even SC Vianense 2-0 after extra time, i.e. clubs from the lower divisions. Lately, Santa Clara has shown a pretty face with three wins and a draw.

Successes which were written on the lawn of Leiria 0-1, on the side of Torreense 1-2 and at home for the coming of Leixoes 2-0. Opposite, there is no longer any need to present this team of Porto, which has been four times European champion Champions League and Europa League and a multitude of successes on the national scene whether in the league and the Portuguese Cup or even the Portuguese League Cup crowned in 2023. Like every season, the Dragons are engaged in the title race in Portugal and occupy 3rd place, six lengths behind the leader, Benfica. Last weekend, Sergio Conceicao's men recorded an 8th match without defeat in all competitions for the arrival of the poorly ranked in the championship, Rio Ave 0-0. However, this is clearly a misstep for them, especially when you consider the title.

To discuss the strengths present at Santa Clara, scorer Bruno Almeida (8 goals this season) finds himself in better conditions unlike last year (only 1 small goal in 22 appearances in D1). Rafael Martins (4 goals) and Paulo Henrique (2 pawns) should be there while uncertainty hovers around Gabriel Silva (3 goals) absent last weekend in the championship. For the reception of Rio Ave last weekend, Porto had to cope without the Nigerian international, Zaidu (rotation) and without the Iranian striker, Taremi (only 3 goals this season in the league). This will be the case again this evening since the two players are still competing in the Asian Cup and the CAN.

Injured, Marcano will probably be kept by the medical staff like Grujic (1 assist in only 6 small appearances in the elite this season). Evanilson (8 goals, 2 assists), his Brazilian compatriot, Wendell (3 pawns) and Toni Martinez (3 goals in 14 appearances) will likely be in the mix.