Santa Clara vs FC Porto Prediction & Betting Tips (29 February)

Leader of the second division with 52 points after 23 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. only clubs from the lower divisions. Lately, Santa Clara has shown a pretty face with six wins and one draw.

Successes which were written on the lawn of Leiria 0-1, on the side of Torreense 1-2, at home for the coming of Leixoes 2-0, against Feirense 2-1, on the side of Penafiel 1-2 and last weekend against Oliveirense 3-0. Opposite, there is no longer any need to present this Porto team, which has been four times European champion Champions League and Europa League and a multitude of successes on the national scene whether in the championship and the Portuguese Cup or even the Portuguese League Cup crowned in 2023. Like every season, the Dragons are engaged in the race for the title in Portugal and occupy the 3rd folding seat nine lengths behind the leader, Benfica. Last weekend, Sergio Conceicao's men recorded a draw on Gil Vicente's pitch 1-1 a few days after their great victory in the 1/8th final first leg of the Champions League against Arsenal 1-0.

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. The important Adriano and Serginho are out, as is the less used David Bruno.

For the trip to Gil Vicente, the Iranian Taremi (only 3 goals this season in the league) was not involved (injured) like Marcano and Zaidu (absent this evening). Evanilson (10 goals, 2 assists) will probably be aligned at the forefront of the attack while his Brazilian compatriots, Wendell (3 pawns) and Galeno (3 goals, 4 assists) will also be in the mix like Toni Martinez (3 goals in 14 appearances).