Born in the south east of Ireland, Simon put his life-long love of football to good use when he started a successful independent blog in 2010. That opened up an alternative route to a career in journalism, and having had work published across a number of sites and publications, Simon joined the staff at Spotlight Sports Group in 2018.
Later today, the 2019/20 Portuguese Primeira Liga kicks back into gear after its three-month postponement with back-to-back live fixtures, and the second of this evening’s eagerly anticipated double header sees Famalicao host league leaders Porto.
Newly promoted Famalicao have been this season’s surprise package in Portugal, defying the odds to rise to 7th place and to within striking distance of the coveted top four ahead of the campaign’s climax.
The Famalicenses, who have enjoyed playing the role of underdogs this season, welcome title chasing Porto to the Vila Nova de Famalicão in their first game back, and their record of just three defeats in 12 top-flight assignments on their own patch suggests they can make life awkward for their more illustrious opponents.
Porto have been staggeringly consistent on the road since August last year however, winning nine of the 11 games they contested as visitors in the run up to the COVID-19 led suspension of play, and with the Primeira Liga title in their sights, coach Sérgio Conceição won’t accept anything less than three points.
Read on to discover the latest team news for Wednesday’s game, along with information about where you can watch Famalicao vs Porto on TV and via stream.
Check out our Portuguese football expert’s Famalicao vs Porto predictions to read their betting tips for the game.
Famalicao vs Porto on TV and live stream
Viewers in the UK have several options if they want to catch the action in Portugal this week, with Famalicao’s clash with Porto screened live on FreeSports TV UK, Premier Player HD, Premier Sports 1. The fixture can also be viewed through bet365’s superb streaming service.
TV – 21:15 – FreeSports TV UK, Premier Player HD, Premier Sports 1
Live Stream – 21:15 – bet365
How can I watch the Primeira Liga on bet365?
It’s quite simple really – all you need to do is sign up for a bet365 account (if you don’t already have one) and either have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the past 24 hours.
If you meet those criteria, you can live stream any of their scheduled events, including the Primeira Liga. You can find which events are available for streaming by going to the In-Play tab, navigating to Schedule and then keeping an eye out for the Live at bet365 tag.
Famalicao team news and injuries
Regular on-loan Famalicao number one Vana Alves cannot face his parent club Porto will likely be replaced by Rafael Defendi betwen the sticks.
Defensive duo Roderick Miranda and Patrick William will go head-to-head for a starting berth alongside first choice centre half Nehuen Pérez.
Spanish striker and leading scorer Toni Martinez is one to watch up front. The 22-year-old, who has scored eight league goals this season, came through the youth system at Valencia and spent some time with Premier League club West Ham earlier in his career.
Brazilian holding midfielder Gustavo Assunção is also one to keep an eye on at the base of the Famalicao midfield. The 20-year-old is fond of a biting tackle and has been booked nine times already this term.
Porto team news and injuries
Key Porto central defender Iván Mercano picked up a season-ending injury during the postponement and will sit out Wednesday’s game.
The hugely experienced veteran defender Pepe is a welcome returnee from the treatment room however.
Star left-back Alex Telles will serve his one-match ban for an accumulation of bookings this evening, and will likely be replaced in the starting XI by Wilson Manafá.
Porto will be looking to Mexican defender Jesús Manuel Corona to supply chances for their three-man frontline from the opposite flank. The 27-year-old has already created a club high seven league goals for his teammates in 2019/20.
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When will football return? State of play in the Premier League and Europe
