Goal.mu

FC Porto, keen on preserving their undefeated streak in the Primeira Liga, will be hosting Arouca at the Estádio do Dragão this Sunday, September 3rd. While Porto has started the league on a high, Arouca will be desperate to overturn their historically poor run against the Dragoes.

Analysis: Porto, under Sergio Conceicao, has initiated the 2023-24 season impressively, notching three wins in as many matches. Their resilience was evident when they reversed a deficit to defeat Rio Ave in a dramatic ending with goals in injury time. However, despite this bright start, there’s a shadow cast by their Super Cup loss to arch-rivals, Benfica. On the flip side, the team’s form at Estádio do Dragão is commendable, having won their last 12 Primeira Liga matches since March.

Arouca, directed by Daniel Ramos, has displayed a mix of determination and fight. Beginning the campaign with an adrenaline-pumping 4-3 win over Estoril Praia, they’ve since held steady with two draws. While their league form has been promising, their European dreams were squashed when they were ousted from the Europa Conference League qualifiers by Brann.

In terms of team composition, Porto faces injury woes with key attacking players Evanilson, Gabriel Veron, and recent recruit Ivan Jamie all out. Arouca, however, grapples with long-term injuries of forwards Vitinho and Benji Michel.

Historical data paints a bleak picture for Arouca. They have been underwhelming in their last three visits to Porto, suffering heavy defeats. Their singular shining moment against Porto remains their 2-1 victory in 2016.

Prediction: Goal.mu predicts: FC Porto 3-1 Arouca.

Porto’s formidable form, especially at home, combined with Arouca’s dismal record at Estádio do Dragão, suggests a likely victory for the home side. While Arouca has shown spirit this season, Porto’s depth and quality, even with injuries, might be too much for the visitors to handle.