Amadora Star vs Porto – News and Probable Lineups

After a disappointing exit from the domestic cup competition, Porto’s attention turns to the Primeira Liga as they head to Reboleira to take on Estrela Amadora this Sunday.

Françasco Farioli’s squad faced a goalless draw in Wednesday’s Classico against Sporting Lisbon, effectively sealing their departure from the Taca de Portugal semi-finals due to a 1-0 aggregate loss, while the Tricolores come into this match following a narrow 1-0 defeat at Arouca.

Match overview

Despite making a significant 18 attempts at goal, Porto only managed to test the Sporting goalkeeper on three occasions last Wednesday, although Farioli would have felt frustrated that his team couldn’t extend the tie, having held an xG of 1.44.

With aspirations to match their 2021-22 league and Taca de Portugal success, the Blue and Whites will now concentrate on clinching their first top-flight title since that campaign.

Currently leading the Primeira Liga standings, Porto is seven points ahead of Benfica in second place and eight points clear of third-placed Sporting, who have a game in hand. Consequently, if the Dragons secure three victories from their remaining four matches, they would clinch the title, irrespective of other outcomes.

In their latest league match, Porto overcame Tondela 2-0 at the Dragao, achieving their 25th victory in 30 league encounters this season (D4, L1) and enhancing their clean sheet record to a league-leading 19, having conceded only 14 goals—the fewest in the league.

Boasting the best away form in the Primeira Liga this season, having won 12 of their 15 away games (D3), Porto’s confidence levels will be high as they aim for another victory to edge closer to the title.

On the other hand, Estrela’s aim is to establish a larger gap between themselves and the relegation zone, as the Tricolores are positioned just above the playoff spot, with a slender two-point advantage.

Having finished 14th and 15th in the previous two seasons, the Amadorans find themselves once again in a late-season battle for survival, largely due to a lackluster run that has yielded only two victories in 14 league matches (D4, L8) since the year began.

In fact, Joao Nuno’s squad has dropped each of their last three fixtures without scoring, including a 1-0 defeat away at Arouca last weekend, where Tiago Esgaio’s strike in the early second half made the difference.

Getting a result here will rely on Estrela enhancing their performance in the attacking third, especially since their last three home losses have come without finding the net. They have managed to avoid defeat without scoring only once in their last 10 league fixtures at Estadio Jose Gomes (W3, D4, L3).

That being said, the Reboleira hosts head into Sunday’s encounter with the encouragement from having not lost in three of their last five meetings with Porto at this ground (W2, D1, L2), which includes a 2-0 victory last season, although the Amadora club did suffer a 3-1 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the current season.

Team News

Porto will continue to be without centre-back Nehuen Perez due to an Achilles tendon injury, and their defensive options are further limited by the absence of Zaidu Sanusi, while Martim Fernandes has been sidelined for the last five matches.

In terms of attacking options, Samu Aghehowa and Luuk de Jong are still recovering from knee injuries, which may see either Deniz Gul or Terem Moffi take the central forward position.

Alan Varela received a late red card midweek, but that suspension does not impact league play, allowing him to remain available for selection.

As for Estrela, centre-back Bernardo Schappo will miss out after picking up an injury against Arouca, which is likely to see Luan Patrick partner Stefan Lekovic in central defence.

Jefferson Encada was unavailable for the last match due to a muscle problem and remains doubtful, with Max Scholze expected to continue at right-back.

Estrela Amadora probable starting XI:

Ribeiro; Scholze, Lekovic, Patrirck, Langa; Doue, Jansson, Robinho; Marcus, Pinho, Stoica

Porto probable starting XI:

D Costa; A Costa, Bednarek, T Silva, Kiwior; Froholdt, Varela, Veiga; Pepe, Gul, Pietuszewski

Securing a win here would bring Porto closer to clinching the Primeira Liga title, although their recent trips to Amadora indicate this challenge may not be as simple.

Estrela can be resilient on their home ground, especially with relegation concerns at play, but the league leaders are expected to have sufficient ability to grind out a narrow victory, supported by their solid defensive record.