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Every season Porto continues to battle for titles regardless of who comes or goes, and this season, that statement holds true. The reigning Portuguese Champions have yet to lose this season and have only conceded an impressive eight goals in the domestic league.
Last weekend, Vitor Pereira's team traveled to the Portuguese capital to take on Benfica who is currently in first place.
A hard fought match with some controversy for both sides ended in a 2-2 draw. After the first twenty or so minutes, spectators had already witnessed four goals. For the remainder of the match they were limited to some sloppy football as well as some hard tackling at times.
The Azuis e Brancos will welcome a very confident Pacos de Ferreira team to the Estadio do Dragao.
Pacos has only lost one match this season and that came at home against Benfica in a 1-2 defeat. Since that loss, Paulo Fonseca's side has won five and drawn four in the Portuguese League. They also find themselves in the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup where they will take on Benfica.
The visitors have never defeated Porto at their own stadium, so they will be up against history on Saturday. Fonseca is well aware of that, but he is determined to get that first victory this weekend.
"Their is always a first time. We hope to finally break that record. We have had a great season and regardless of Porto's strengths, we are looking to get a positive result at the Dragao," said Fonseca in his press conference leading up to the match.
Porto will welcome back Brazilian defender Maicon to the team after he had played just 45 minutes against V. Setubal last week in the League Cup. Saturday will be his first inclusion in Porto's squad this season for the Portuguese League.
Vitor Pereira will also be without James Rodriguez and Kleber who are both injured as well as Atsu and Iturbe who are representing their country.
Previous Matches
03-25-12 P. Ferreira 1-1 Porto
12-21-11 P.Ferreira 1-2 Porto (League Cup)
10-28-11 Porto 3-0 P. Ferreira
05-08-11 Porto 3-3 P. Ferreira
12-19-10 P. Ferreira 0-3 Porto
01-16-10 Porto 1-1 P. Ferreira
Prediction
Porto has yet to lose or even draw at home this season for the Portuguese League. They have enjoyed seven victories along with 19 goals scored and only one conceded. That one goal came from Academica's Wilson Eduardo in a 2-1 victory for Porto in November.
Despite all those victories at home, all their matches at the Estadio do Dragao thus far have come against teams who are currently seventh or below in the league standings.
With that said, Pacos de Ferreira has been a big revelation this season in the league and they will be looking to continue that great form against Porto. It obviously will not be easy, but according to Fonseca's press conference, his team will be up for it.
Their last three visits to the Estadio do Dragao have not been all that bad with the exception of their 3-0 defeat, but Porto will know what to expect on Saturday.
Coming off a 2-2 draw away from home against Benfica, Vitor Pereira's side will be out to grab their eight consecutive victory at home.
Pacos de Ferreira may be enjoying success up until now but their congested schedule could cause them some fatigue heading into their match this weekend. They played just a few days ago against Gil Vicente for the Portuguese Cup, while Porto had no match mid-week.
The hosts may take some time to break down this Pacos de Ferreira side, but in the end, they should be able to take the full three points once fatigue starts to set in for Fonseca's side.
Porto 2-0 Pacos de Ferreira
