Porto will travel to Estoril Praia this weekend for a Primeira Liga clash at Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota. The league leaders will look to return to winning ways. The Dragons are without victory in their last two outings across domestic and continental competition.
Estoril enter this contest aiming to halt a two-match losing run.
Porto’s Push for the Title
Porto failed to make home advantage count in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie with Nottingham Forest on Thursday, after a 1-1 draw. A similar scenario unfolded in the league five days earlier, when the Dragons were held to a 2-2 stalemate against Famalicao. Seko Fofana’s stoppage-time effort was matched by Rodrigo Pinheiro’s late equaliser.
That outcome trimmed Porto’s lead at the top. Second-placed Sporting Lisbon won their matchday 28 fixture against Santa Clara to move within five points, while also holding a game in hand.
Victory, therefore, becomes important for Francesco Farioli’s side. Confidence remains high given their outstanding away record, with 12 wins from 14 league trips. They have only one draw and one loss.
The Blue and Whites have also excelled defensively, conceding a league-low 13 goals. Their tally of 18 clean sheets represents the best return in the Primeira Liga this season.
Estoril’s Continental Hopes Dwindling
Estoril’s two-match losing run began with a 2-1 defeat to Rio Ave before last weekend’s 3-2 setback at Arouca. Despite taking the lead twice through Xeka and Yanis Begraoui, Ian Cathro’s men departed Arouca empty-handed after conceding a 55th-minute winner to Pablo Gozalbez.
That result further dented hopes of securing a first continental berth in over a decade. The Canaries are 11 points adrift of fifth-placed Famalicao with six matches remaining.
Estoril have impressed going forward, scoring 50 league goals. This is the highest tally of any side outside the top four. Although defensive frailties remain evident after conceding 47, the most among the top 11.
That said, the hosts have been competitive on home soil, winning six of 14 league games at their ground while losing only three. Though they have fallen in each of the last three meetings with Porto, including a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.
Team News and Key Players
Estoril will remain without Kevin Boma, who has been sidelined since February with a muscle injury. Joao Carvalho is a doubt after being forced off last time out.
The hosts will again rely on Begraoui in attack. The Moroccan striker leads the side with 18 league goals, a tally bettered only by Sporting’s Luis Suarez and Benfica’s Vange
Porto remain five points clear at the Portuguese top-flight summit, while seventh-placed the Canaries have suffered back-to-back defeats.