Team News
FC Porto have no left back to play in the Estoril match this Sunday as Alex Sandro and Emídio Rafael are still recovering from injuries. Vítor Pereira might call Mangala again, as the French centre back did very well last Wednesday, facing Dinamo Kiev. Fernando and James Rodríguez have also small injuries but they are able to play.
As for Estoril, Bruno Miguel and Pedro Henrique missed all the training sessions this week and are almost certainly unavailable.
Analysis
FC Porto are not a spectacular team, but they tend to do enough to win, match after match. They lead the Portuguese League with Benfica on the same number of points. Both are still undefeated. Estoril are not a difficult pitch for the Dragons. The latter have won their last six matches on that soil.
However, Marco Silva, Estoril’s coach, is young and ambitious. After snatching a surprise draw in Sporting’s stadium, the manager will try to get another shiny result against the champions. A win will not come easy, though. That said, Luís Leal and Licá, Estoril's two stronger attackers, will try to use their pace to score and defend an early advantage.
Head to Head – Last five matches
January 18th 2012: FC Porto 1-0 Estoril Praia
January 24th 2010: Estoril Praia 0-2 FC Porto
February 2nd 2005: Estoril Praia 1-2 FC Porto
September 18th 2004: FC Porto 2-2 Estoril Praia
December 4th 1994: FC Porto 3-1 Estoril Praia
Facts
• The last time Estoril Praia beat FC Porto at home was in January 14th 1979, in a Portuguese Cup match. Estoril won 3-0, but lost in the next round to SC Braga (1-2).
• Midfielder Hugo Leal, presently at Estoril, made 7 appearances under the FC Porto shirt during the 2004/05 season. Despite being seen as a promising talent, Leal never really reached great heights. He however played at Benfica, Atletico Madrid, PSG and FC Porto.
• Jackson Martinez scored 5 goals in FC Porto’s last 5 matches. In Estoril, he will be looking to increase his tally as he aims to burst open on the European scene.
Prediction
Estoril play with pace, while trying to keep a strong defensive organization. However, that might not be enough to stop FC Porto. The Dragons are currently enjoying a great run which may continue for much longer this season.
Result: Estoril Praia 0-2 FC Porto
