Team News
Alex Sandro and Emídio Rafael were the two absentees in Porto’s training session. They will not be available for Vítor Pereira’s roster. However, Portuguese international Rolando and Argentine player Iturbe have made the cut and are likely to have a place in the bench.
Marítimo will be without Salin who was sent off last Sunday. Ruben Brígido missed some training sessions during the week and is also in doubt.
Analysis
FC Porto have played three home games this season, winning all the three and scoring ten goals, with zero allowed in the process. This record gives a good image of the Dragons’ strengths. It is hard to imagine how Pedro Martins will defy the odds. Marítimo have never won a match at the Estádio do Dragão. Besides, Porto have all their stars available for this match; Vítor Pereira knows how much his team is favourite to carry the day.
Jackson Martínez will lead Porto’s offense. The striker is expected to score again to keep the Dragons at the top of the standings. Marítimo will need to change their goalkeeper and Wellington Lima is probably a good option. This will represent a debut game for the Brazilian who came from Duque de Caxias to acquire his first spell in Europe.
Head to Head: Last five matches
28/04/2012: Marítimo 0-2 FC Porto
17/12/2011: FC Porto 2-0 Marítimo
14/05/2011: Marítimo 0-2 FC Porto
08/01/2011: FC Porto 4-1 Marítimo
03/04/2010: FC Porto 4-1 Marítimo
Facts
• We need to come back to 2008 to find the last time Marítimo snatched a draw in Porto. The result was 0-0. Avoiding defeat at the Estadio do Dragão is a rare achievement in Marítimo’s history.
• Wellington Lima will make his debut in Marítimo’s first team this season. However, he has already played four matches with the B side. That was in the Portuguese Segunda Liga.
• It is now 6 goals in 6 matches for Jackson Martínez. The Colombian striker is unstoppable as Porto’s leading goal scorer.
Prediction
Porto will need to surpass Marítimo’s defensive scheme but once the Dragons score the first goal – something that might happen in the first 30 minutes – they will certainly be off to a routine win.
Result: FC Porto 3-0 Marítimo
