FC Porto vs Casa Pia Prediction: The Dragões Style Of Play Doesn't Spell For A Goal-fest

FC Porto welcomes out-of-form Casa Pia to the Estádio do Dragão for the 32nd round of the Primeira Liga.

Will FC Porto be able to extend their winning streak to seven games and consolidate their second-place position by claiming a comfortable win at home, or will they succumb to a shocking defeat?

Let's have a look at the latest Portuguese Primeira Liga predictions between FC Porto vs Casa Pia, probable lineups, match facts and up to date betting odds for you to consider!

FC Porto

Form: WWWWW

The Dragões knew that they were in for a struggle in their recent match against FC Arouca on the road given their defense solidarity, which they displayed without a blink of an eye, but despite that hurdle, they managed to secure all three points in a 1:0 victory thanks to defender Iván Marcano's goal in the 44th minute.

Prior to that, they had one simple job to do in the second leg of the Taca de Portugal semi-final, which was to preserve their one goal advantage obtained from the first leg (2:1). However, it was too much of an ask as they found themselves being stretched all the way into extra time after losing 2:1 in regular time while leveling matters on the aggregate score (3:3). Goals from Otavio and Evanilson in extra-time ensured that they booked themselves a ticket to the final of the competition after winning 5:3 on aggregate.

In the Primeira Liga, they have a six-match winning streak to their name where they were convincing in front of defense, keeping four clean sheets while surrendering two goals in the process, and it goes without saying they'll want to maintain that form as they seek to add to their winning tally with a seventh consecutive victory.

Though this season the title seems to be an unlikely endeavor as they find themselves 4 points behind with two games left to play, they presently occupy second place with 76 points. A win here could guarantee them a Champions League spot finish, which will be an achievement worth lauding for their valiant efforts.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Costa; Pepe, Pepe, Marcano, Wendell; Otavio, Grujic, Eustaquio, Galeno; Taremi, Martinez

Casa Pia

Form: DLLDL

Os Gansos couldn't live up to the billing of favorites, a title that was too much for them to bear in their recent match against Portimonense SC at home, as they settled for a share of the spoils in a 1:1 draw.

Prior to that, their travel to Estádio Municipal Eng. Manuel Branco Teixeira to lock horns with GD Chaves didn't yield the results they were searching for as they couldn't utilize their dominant attacking possession to their advantage to come away with a resounding result, thus succumbing to a 1:0 defeat.

Os Gansos have struggled for form as of late, as they are without a win in their last six matches in the Primeira Liga, recording four losses and two 1:1 draws against Rio Ave and Portimonense SC, depicting a side that won't be competitive in this encounter.

They presently occupy 9th place with 40 points, level on points with Boavista in 10th place, and are 8 points away from 5th place, making their aspirations for European football this season unlikely, but they can sigh with relief that they are safe from relegation.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

Batista; Fernandes, Varela, Tchamba; Soares, Mukendi, Neto, Lelo; Saviour, Soma, Martins

Match Facts

• FC Porto are currently on a six-match winning streak in the Primeira Liga.
• Casa Pia are on a six-match winless run in the Primeira Liga.
• FC Porto averages 2.6 goals per game when playing at home, and Casa Pia averages 0.8 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

There have been two meetings between these two sides, with FC Porto winning once and one ending in a draw.

Expert Betting Tips

Casa Pia have nothing to complain about this season as their safety in the top flight was long confirmed, and there's nothing to play for at the moment other than to finish in a more respectable position. There's nothing much to expect from them here.

FC Porto have been impressive thus far in the Primeira Liga, as evidenced by their six-match winning streak, and to expect them to suffer defeat here will be unrealistic as they seek to consolidate their Champions League spot, which they occupy in second place.

In light of the fact that FC Porto hasn't been potent with their attack lately—winning their past six games with a total under 3.5 goals—pick FC Porto to win along with the under 3.5 goal total because such a pattern is to be expected here.

• W1 & TU 3.5 for 1.99
• Half-time Result - FC Porto for 1.61
• Corners - Over 9.5 for 1.63