The Primeira Liga returns with a David vs. Goliath encounter as newly promoted FC Alverca hosts the league leaders FC Porto at the Complexo Desportivo FC Alverca on Monday, December 22, 2025.
FC Porto enters this matchday with an opportunity to extend their lead at the summit to eight points, capitalizing on their nearly flawless start to the season. Alverca, meanwhile, is looking to stabilize their mid-table position after a recent dip in form.
Current Form: Porto’s Perfection vs. Alverca’s Inconsistency
FC Porto: The Unstoppable Dragons
Under the tactical guidance of Francesco Farioli, Porto has been the class of the division this season. They remain unbeaten after 14 matches (W13, D1), boasting an extraordinary defensive record of only 4 goals conceded. They arrive in Alverca on the back of four consecutive wins across all competitions, including a dominant 4-1 victory over Famalicão in the cup last week.
FC Alverca: Mid-Table Resilience
After a long absence from the top flight, Alverca has performed admirably, currently sitting in 9th place with 17 points. However, their momentum was halted last weekend by a 1-0 loss to Arouca. Their home form has been a "mixed bag" (3 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses), and they will need to produce their best performance of the decade to take points off the leaders.
Tactical Breakdown: Relentless Press vs. Low Block
Porto’s Transition Mastery
Farioli has implemented a high-intensity 4-3-3 system that emphasizes quick transitions and relentless pressing. The key to their success has been the midfield balance provided by Alan Varela, allowing the creative Rodrigo Mora and the explosive Samu Aghehowa to thrive. Samu is currently the league’s most in-form striker, having scored six goals in his last four appearances.
Alverca’s Defensive Challenge
Coach Custódio typically sets Alverca up in a compact 3-4-3 or 4-1-4-1 to absorb pressure. Their primary playmaker, Lincoln, is the engine of the team, leading the squad in big chances created. Without their main striker Sandro Lima, Alverca will likely rely on Marko Milovanović to hold up the ball and look for counter-attacking opportunities through the pace of Lucas Figueiredo.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
FC Alverca Team News
The biggest blow for the hosts is the suspension of Sandro Lima, who was sent off in the early stages of their loss to Arouca. They also remain without several key players due to injury, including Leo Chu and Chiquinho.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): André Gomes; Martinez, Naves, Meupiyou; Touaizi, Abdulai, Amorim, Chissumba; Lincoln, Milovanović, Figueiredo.
FC Porto Team News
Porto faces a minor crisis in central defense. Jan Bednarek is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, while Nehuén Pérez remains sidelined with an Achilles injury. This likely means Jakub Kiwior will partner the young Dominik Prpic. Furthermore, Zaidu Sanusi is unavailable as he joins Nigeria for the 2025 AFCON.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Fernandes, Prpic, Kiwior, Francisco Moura; Froholdt, Varela, Mora; Pepê, Samu Aghehowa, Borja Sainz.
Head-to-Head: A Historic Gap
This is the first top-flight meeting between the two sides since the 2003-04 season. Historically, Porto has dominated the fixture:
Last 5 Meetings: Porto (4 wins), Draw (1), Alverca (0).
Last Result: Porto 1-0 Alverca (2004).
Match Prediction: Defensive Solidity to Prevail
While Alverca’s home crowd will provide a hostile atmosphere, the gulf in class and Porto’s impeccable defensive record make an upset unlikely. Porto has won every single one of their away matches this season (7/7) and should have enough firepower to bypass a depleted Alverca defense.
Final Score Prediction: FC Alverca 0-2 FC Porto
