Estoril vs FC Porto Predictions

• Estoril have avoided defeat in four of their last seven games against Porto
• Porto have failed to win six of their last nine Primeira Liga away games
• Estoril have lost only two of their last 12 home league matches

New Porto coach yet to find the winning formula

Porto could come unstuck again when they head to Amoreira to face mid-table Estoril in the Primeira Liga this Sunday. The Canaries have caused the Dragons plenty of problems in the last few years and won three of their four league and cup clashes last season.

The league table tells you that this current Porto side are no better than last season’s mob with a mid-season change of coach not yet making a huge difference. Martin Anselmi’s 40% win rate  is significantly worse than that of predecessor Vitor Bruno, although he has only lost two of his first 10 games in charge.

But Porto are drawing games that they should be winning, such as February’s trio to Rio Ave and this month’s home game against Vitoria Guimaraes. Estoril are capable of holding their own with either of those teams and may frustrate Porto enough to earn at least a point again.

Robles’ return should lift the hosts

The home side, who have lost only two of their last 12 home league games, will be boosted by the return of first-choice goalkeeper Joel Robles for this clash. The ex-Everton back-up has been one of the best keepers in Portugal this season, so his presence should lift the rest of the team too.

There is little to be gained from backing Porto at their short odds here and so the best option is probably to oppose them. Anselmi’s side are a work in progress and deficient in several areas, which may make them vulnerable to a counter-atatck or a set-piece on Sunday.

A 1-1 draw, the same score Estoril achieved without Robles against Arouca last time out, could be the final outcome.