Last season's runners-up Porto travel to Famalicao on Sunday in gameweek two of the Primeira Liga, looking to build an unbeaten start to the campaign.

The Portuguese giants come up against a side which has had two successful seasons back in the top flight, with Famalicao finishing sixth and ninth in the previous couple of campaigns.

Match preview

Famalicao entered the league season in good spirits having progressed in the first two rounds of the Portuguese League Cup, but they could not use that to their advantage last week.

Ivo Vieira's side suffered a costly three minutes just after half time against Pacos de Ferreira, who scored twice which was enough to seal the home win in gameweek one.

The side's away form was slightly better than their form at the Municipal 22 de Junho last season, but they will need to turn that around to get anything from the game on Sunday against Porto.

One positive from the defeat last weekend was that new signing Dylan Batubinsika was one of the most highly rated players in the Famalicao starting 11, finishing the game with 95% passing accuracy.

Porto made a solid start to their league campaign against Belenenses last week, courtesy of goals from Antonio Martinez and Luis Diaz.

Sergio Conceicao's side dominated that game with more possession and seven shots on target, and picked up where they left off last season, with victory against the same opponent.

Porto only lost two games during the 2020-21 campaign but it was not enough to keep up with Sporting Lisbon, however Porto were the top scorers in the Primeira Liga and they will want to achieve that again this year.

The side only managed two victories before their first defeat of last season, and so will be looking to extend an unbeaten run at the beginning of this campaign, continuing with victory over Famalicao.

The home side will know what to expect from the Porto performance, with Conceicao's side expected to dominate the ball, Famalicao are likely to need a strong defensive shape to keep Porto out.

Porto got the better of Famalicao on both occasions last season in the Primeira Liga, winning 4-1 away from home and 3-2 at the Estadio Do Dragao, suggesting that this game is likely to see a few goals.

Team News

Famalicao's starting 11 last week under impressed during the side's 2-0 defeat, but that could have been made worse when the home side were awarded a late penalty only for goalkeeper Luiz Junior to take confidence from saving that spot kick.

Three of the midfield four were substituted off during the second half, and therefore Joao Neto, David Tavares and Bruno Rodrigues will have had to earn their place in this week's starting 11 through training well.

Like Famalicao, Porto also played in a 4-4-2 formation in gameweek one and Conceicao is expected to name the same starting 11 for this week's fixture.

Managers can make five substitutions in each match and Conceicao took full advantage of that last Sunday, giving both goalscorer Diaz and Martinez a rest at the end of that game against Belenenses.

Porto's left-wing was where the goals were provided from in the opening game, Joao Mario and Otavio registering an assist each.

Famalicao possible starting lineup:
Junior; Lima, Riccieli, Batubinsika, Figueiras; Bruno Rodrigues, Assuncao, Tavares, Neto; Ivo Rodrigues, Geovani

Porto possible starting lineup:
Costa; Sanusi, Mbemba, Pepe, Mario; Diaz, Costa, Oliveira, Otavio; Taremi, Martinez

We say: Famalicao 0-2 Porto

Porto will understand the importance of taking maximum points from as many games as possible as a chase for the league title is likely to be heavily influenced by the team that can go the whole season only losing one or two games.

Famalicao finished ninth last season and have already lost a game this season, meaning that Porto are strong favourites for this game and the experience and quality of their players should seal victory on Sunday.

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