Porto are on fire, winning their opening four matches without conceding a goal. Academico Viseu have scored just five goals in 15 games against the Dragons who can win to nil once again.
HTH - One Way Traffic
Porto have never lost against Academico Viseu, leading 13-2 alongside two draws. The Dragons won to nil in the previous three encounters, scoring seven goals.
Viseu Yet to Score at Home
Academico Viseu are yet to win in their return to the top flight. They came away from Benfica with a credible 2-2 draw, equalising twice through Rúben Pereira and André Clóvis.
The positivity was short lived following a 1-0 home defeat against Santa Clara. They made a late rally but it was too little too late, ending the contest with 0.69-1.26 xG.
Clóvis and Soufiane Messeguem scored to establish a 2-0 lead at Maritimo on Saturday. They let it slip, conceding two late goals in another 2-2 draw on the road.
Bruno Pinheiro was disappointed with the point in Madeira: “I can't be satisfied, because we were winning 2-0, controlling the game, and losing two points is unpleasant.”
“The team has improved since the last match, we were patient offensively and defensively we managed to control our emotions. At a certain point we couldn't play anymore, that's just how it is. We ended up losing 2 points.”
Perfect Porto
Porto are yet to concede this season, starting with a 1-0 win against Torreense in the Super Cup.
Francesco Farioli’s side began their Liga Portugal title defence began with a 2-0 victory over Alverca. They then had 1.98-0.57 xG in a comfortable 2-0 win at Rio Ave.
The Dragons shut down Arouca last time out, coming away with another 2-0 victory. Gabri Veiga and Borja Sainz scored as Porto ended with 2.99-0.54 xG.
Farioli praised the patience and maturity his side showed: “The opponents always show a lot of respect here, they come very organized and don't give us any space. Normally Arouca presses high and today they dropped back.”
“It's a situation where we have two options: one is to embark on a crazy and open game that we can't control, and the other is to have the necessary patience to manage the game, waiting for the right moment to score.”
“We had a lot of maturity, that's the right word for today. It wasn't an easy game at all, and the result gave us the opportunity to add three more points and move on.”
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Academico Viseu (4-3-3): Ewerton; Robinho, Anthony Correia, Nikos Michelis, Pedro Barcelos; Cihan Kahraman, André Ceitil, Soufiane Messeguem; João Guilherme, André Clóvis, Lorougnon Gohi
Lorougnon Gohi competes with Álvaro Zamora for a spot on the left wing. Gustavo Costa and Luís Silva came off the bench at Maritimo but Luís Silva remains doubtful.
Valery Fernández has been signed on a free transfer from Real Zaragoza.
Porto (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Alberto Costa, Jan Bednarek, Jakub Kiwior, Zaidu Sanusi; Victor Froholdt, Pablo Rosario, Gabri Veiga; William Gomes, André Silva, Pepê
Martim Fernandes, Vasco Sousa, Oskar Pietuszewski and Samu remain out. Jan Bednarek might not be risked here with Nehuen Perez a chance to start in central defence, Farioli saying: "Jan Bednarek has complained of some pain in his calf. We have to wait to assess him."
Stephen Eustáquio has been sold to Swansea on a permanent deal with Seko Fofana signed on loan from Rennes once again.
Fofana said it was a dream to return to the club: "There was a lot I couldn't express, but the truth is I always wanted to return to FC Porto. Today I fulfilled that dream and I'm very happy to be back with my teammates. It will be a pleasure and I hope to continue our journey."