Maritimo vs FC Porto Predictions
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in eight of Maritimo’s last nine matches, including their last four at home.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in Porto’s last four away games.
- Porto have won three of their last four meetings with Maritimo, averaging 2.5 goals per game.
Porto and Maritimo’s strengths lie in defence
Porto should emerge victorious from a testing trip to Madeira as they face relegation-threatened Maritimo on Wednesday. The Dragons have not seen much upheaval in the transfer window with coach Sergio Conceicao able to name a consistent line-up throughout January.They are strong at the back where Ivan Marcano has been keeping big summer signing David Carmo out alongside the evergreen Pepe. And that strength is mirrored by Maritimo under Jose Gomes, who has coaxed two clean sheets out of the side in four games since he took charge.
Goals, therefore, could be in relatively short supply at Estádio dos Barreiros this week as Porto seek to stay in touch with leaders Benfica and second-placed Braga. Conceicao’s side are usually pretty compact on the road and can rely on set-pieces or moments of brilliance for their goals.
Hosts will try to hold out for a point
Maritimo have scored just three goals in their last nine matches and are not likely to trouble the stout Porto defence too much. The hosts, who are also without suspended midfielder Joao Afonso, could go down to a 1-0 or 2-0 defeat here, but there is also the chance that they hold out for 90 minutes to claim a precious point.Therefore, taking the odds on offer for fewer than 2.5 goals to be scored seems the best bet. Fewer than three goals have been scored in eight of Maritimo’s last nine matches, including their last four at home, and also in each of Porto’s last four away games.
Porto have been held to three draws in their last six away league meetings, but all came in at under 2.5 goals scored. A 2-0 Porto win still seems like the best correct score play, however, as Maritimo rarely take anything from this fixture.