Santa Clara vs Estoril Predictions

• Fewer than three goals have been scored in seven of Santa Clara’s last nine Primeira Liga matches.
• Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Estoril’s last five away league contests.
• Fewer than three goals have been scored in seven of the last nine head-to-head meetings.

Unders the way to go for Monday night clash

Another Monday night bore awaits the Portuguese public when improving Santa Clara host mid-table Estoril. Admittedly, some low-scoring games can entertain in other ways, but as betting prospects go this matchup does not look like one for overs players.

The Azoreans continue to show improvement after plumbing the depths of the division a few weeks ago and that has been down to a better defensive record. Last Monday’s 0-0 draw with Chaves – which was yet another live TV stinker for the broadcasters in that slot – saw Mario Silva’s side keep it tight for a third game in a row, during which time they have conceded just once – which was to champions Porto.

Estoril were trounced 5-1 by Benfica last weekend, but kept going until the end to get their goal. The Primeira Liga leaders can do that to almost any club outside the top three, so there should be no shame in that and Nelson Verissimo gets two players back from suspension for this game.

Azoreans’ improvements could earn them a 1-1 draw

Estoril are unbeaten in their last five away league trips, winning three and drawing two, and would have been an easy pick not to lose this a few weeks ago. But Santa Clara’s improvements have us erring on the side of caution with an under 2.5 goals play that would have landed in Estoril’s last four on the road and five of six this season.

A 1-1 draw makes appeal in correct score markets as Estoril have conceded no more than once on the road all season while Santa Clara have scored exactly one goal in four of their last five at home – including against top teams Sporting CP and Porto.