In the upcoming Primeira Liga clash, Moreirense will face off against league leaders Porto in Moreira de Conegos on Monday. Both teams are seeking redemption after recent setbacks.
Match Preview: Moreirense vs Porto
Porto started the 2025-26 season with an impressive nine victories in a row across all competitions. However, they have stumbled recently, failing to secure a win in two of their last three matches. Their latest defeat came in a Europa League match against Nottingham Forest, marking their first loss under coach Francesco Farioli.
Prior to this loss, Porto drew with Benfica in a goalless match. They also achieved a dominant 4-0 win over CD Celoricense in the Taca de Portugal. Currently, Porto holds a strong position in the league, sitting three points clear at the top and having won seven out of eight league games. They have scored a total of 19 goals, second only to Sporting Lisbon, and have the fewest goals conceded, allowing just one goal this season.
Meanwhile, Moreirense has displayed a mix of strengths and weaknesses throughout the season. They have scored 12 goals in eight matches but have also conceded 11, the third highest in the top half of the table. Under head coach Vasco Botelho da Costa, they sit fifth in the league with 15 points, having alternated between wins and losses in their last six matches. Their last game resulted in a 3-2 loss against Nacional before the international break.
Home Advantage for Moreirense
Despite their inconsistency, Moreirense has been formidable at home, winning all four of their home matches this season. They will aim to leverage this home advantage against the formidable Porto side.
Team News
- Moreirense’s key striker Guilherme Schettine, who has scored five league goals, is likely to return from injury.
- Rodrigo Alonso has also recovered and adds depth to the midfield.
- Vasco Sousa will miss the match as he faces his parent club, and Lawrence Ofori remains sidelined.
- Goalkeeper Caio Secco is expected to return after missing the previous cup match.
- Porto has no new injury concerns aside from Nehuen Perez and Luuk de Jong.
- Gabri Veiga may replace Pablo Rosario in the lineup, and Martim Fernandes is pushing for a start at right-back.
Possible Starting Lineups
| Moreirense | Porto |
|---|---|
| Secco | D Costa |
| Martinez | Moura |
| Marcelo | Kiwior |
| Maracas | Bednarek |
| Pinto | M Fernandes |
| Stjepanovic | Veiga |
| Benny | Varela |
| Alan | Froholdt |
| Bondoso | Pepe |
| Schettine | Aghehowa |
| Teguia | Sainz |
Prediction
While Porto’s recent performances may be under scrutiny, they are still the favorites in this matchup. A close scoreline is anticipated, with the Dragons likely edging past Moreirense 1-0, thanks to their solid defensive capabilities.
