FC Porto vs Gil Vicente Prediction & Match Preview (Monday, 26 January)

FC Porto vs Gil Vicente Prediction & Match Preview for Monday, 26 January, features an intriguing clash in Liga Portugal. The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:15 at the iconic Estádio do Dragão. FC Porto, a dominant force in Portuguese football, will look to capitalise on their home advantage as they face Gil Vicente. Historically, Porto have been formidable opponents, especially on home turf, making this a challenging fixture for Gil Vicente.

Gil Vicente, meanwhile, will be aiming to upset the odds and secure a vital result against one of the league’s top contenders. As both teams prepare to face off, the outcome could have significant implications for their respective league standings. With FC Porto’s strong home record and Gil Vicente’s determination to climb the table, this match promises to be a captivating encounter for fans and punters alike.

FC Porto vs Gil Vicente Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
FC Porto to Win & Under 3.5 Goals	1.8

Given FC Porto’s consistent home form and historical dominance over Gil Vicente, our recommended betting tip is to back FC Porto to win with under 3.5 goals. Despite some injury concerns, Porto’s strength in depth and tactical discipline should see them through in controlled fashion, especially considering Gil Vicente’s struggles on the road.

• Porto have won seven of the last ten head-to-head encounters, including a 2-0 win earlier this season.
• Gil Vicente have struggled against top-tier opposition away from home, making an upset unlikely.
• FC Porto concede just 0.2 goals on average at home this season, indicating a solid defensive performance can be expected.

Betting Odds

FC Porto are clear favourites in this Liga Portugal clash, with betting odds strongly in their favour at 1.38. Gil Vicente, on the other hand, are seen as underdogs with odds of 8.42, reflecting the uphill battle they face at Estádio do Dragão.

Betting Tip	Odds
FC Porto to win	1.38
Draw	4.41
Gil Vicente to win	8.42

For those seeking a surprise, the draw is priced at 4.41, which could be tempting given football’s unpredictable nature. Punters might also consider the over 2.5 goals market, as Porto’s attacking prowess often leads to high-scoring games.

FC Porto Analysis & Recent Performance

FC Porto have demonstrated remarkable consistency, remaining unbeaten in their last 10 matches with an impressive record of 9 wins and 1 draw. Most recently, they secured a 1-1 draw away against Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League, maintaining a strong defensive presence with 65% possession and limiting their opponents to just 7 shots.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	Competition	Date
Viktoria Plzeň	FC Porto	1 – 1 (Draw)	Europa League	22 Jan 2026
Vitória de Guimarães	FC Porto	0 – 1 (Win)	Liga Portugal	18 Jan 2026
FC Porto	Benfica	1 – 0 (Win)	Taça de Portugal	14 Jan 2026
Santa Clara	FC Porto	0 – 1 (Win)	Liga Portugal	4 Jan 2026
FC Porto	AVS Futebol SAD	2 – 0 (Win)	Liga Portugal	29 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five games, Porto have shown defensive solidity, conceding only once and keeping four clean sheets, translating to a goals conceded average of just 0.20 per match. Offensively, they have been efficient, averaging 1.20 goals per game, with a notable win ratio of 80% during this period. Their home form is particularly formidable, boasting a perfect win record across their last five fixtures at Estádio do Dragão.

Team Statistics:

• DWWWW

Porto’s overall season performance is underscored by their leading position in Liga Portugal, with a win ratio of 94% from 18 matches played. They have scored 37 goals, averaging 2.06 goals per game, while conceding a mere 0.22 goals on average, highlighting their balanced approach and tactical discipline. Samuel Aghehowa remains a key figure in their attack, contributing significantly with 11 goals this season.

FC Porto Suspensions & Injuries

FC Porto’s squad depth will be tested due to injuries to Nehuén Pérez, Luuk de Jong, and Tomás Pérez. Nehuén Pérez’s tendon injury, alongside Luuk de Jong’s knock, leaves both doubtful for the upcoming match against Gil Vicente. The absence of Tomás Pérez, who is dealing with an Achilles tendon issue, further compounds the challenge of maintaining defensive solidity and attacking options.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Nehuén Pérez	Tendon injury	Doubtful
Luuk de Jong	Knock	Doubtful
Tomás Pérez	Achilles injury	Doubtful

With these key players sidelined, FC Porto’s coach Francesco Farioli may need to rely on less experienced players or adjust the tactical setup to compensate. The absence of Luuk de Jong, in particular, could impact the attacking dynamics, as his presence often adds a physical edge to the forward line. Players like Samuel Aghehowa and Borja Sainz may need to step up in his absence.

The tactical impact of these injuries is significant, potentially forcing FC Porto to adopt a more conservative approach against Gil Vicente. The lack of Nehuén Pérez in defence could necessitate a more cautious strategy to protect the backline, while the midfield will need to work harder to control the game and support the forwards.

FC Porto Key Players

FC Porto will heavily rely on their top scorer, Samuel Aghehowa, who has impressively netted 11 goals this season. Aghehowa’s sharp finishing and instinctive positioning make him a constant threat in the opponent’s penalty area. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial against Gil Vicente. In midfield, Alan Varela stands out as a key playmaker, orchestrating the game with his precise passing and vision, which will be essential in breaking down Gil Vicente’s defence.

Defensively, the presence of Jakub Kiwior is vital. His strong aerial ability and tackling skills provide stability at the back, ensuring the team remains solid against counter-attacks. Meanwhile, Diogo Costa’s role as goalkeeper is pivotal, as his shot-stopping skills could be the difference in maintaining a clean sheet.

Expected lineup for FC Porto

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defence: Alberto Costa, Thiago Silva, Jakub Kiwior, Martim Fernandes
• Midfield: Stephen Eustáquio, Alan Varela, Gabriel Veiga
• Forward: Pepe, Samuel Aghehowa, Borja Sainz

FC Porto Tactics & Formation

FC Porto Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Samuel Aghehowa
• Midfield Pivot: Stephen Eustáquio and Alan Varela
• Defensive Strength: Four clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play with a focus on wing attacks.

FC Porto’s 4-3-3 formation allows them to dominate possession, as seen in their recent 65% possession against Viktoria Plzeň. The midfield trio of Stephen Eustáquio, Alan Varela, and Gabriel Veiga provides a blend of defensive stability and creative playmaking, essential for controlling the tempo of the game.

Defensively, the backline led by Jakub Kiwior and Thiago Silva has been instrumental in maintaining four clean sheets in recent fixtures. The defensive setup is compact, minimising space for opposition forwards, which has been key to their strong defensive record.

Offensively, Porto emphasise wing play, leveraging the pace and skill of Pepe and Borja Sainz. Samuel Aghehowa, the top scorer with 11 goals, remains a constant threat in the box, benefiting from the service provided by the wingers and midfielders in transitions and set-piece situations.

Gil Vicente Analysis & Recent Performance

Gil Vicente’s recent form has been characterised by resilience, as evidenced by their last five fixtures where they have managed to remain unbeaten. Their record shows one win and four draws, demonstrating a solid capacity to avoid defeat, although converting draws into wins remains a challenge.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Gil Vicente	Nacional	2 – 1 (Win)	Primeira Liga	17 Jan 2026
Gil Vicente	Sporting CP	1 – 1 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	2 Jan 2026
Arouca	Gil Vicente	2 – 2 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	28 Dec 2025
Gil Vicente	Rio Ave	2 – 2 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	20 Dec 2025
Casa Pia AC	Gil Vicente	1 – 1 (Draw)	Primeira Liga	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Gil Vicente have been consistent in finding the back of the net, with an average of 1.60 goals per game in their last five outings. However, defensive issues persist, with the team conceding an average of 1.40 goals per match and failing to keep a clean sheet during this period. This defensive vulnerability could be problematic against higher-scoring opponents.

Away Performance:

• WDDDD

On the road, Gil Vicente have shown resilience but not dominance, with a win ratio of 20% from their last five away games. They have drawn four of these matches, highlighting their ability to contest closely but also their struggle to secure victories. Their away performances have mirrored their overall form, with the team scoring consistently but also conceding in every match.

Gil Vicente Suspensions & Injuries

Gil Vicente will be without Agustín Moreira, who is listed as doubtful due to an unspecified injury. His absence could potentially affect their depth, especially in midfield roles, though the starting lineup remains largely unaffected. This allows the team to maintain their typical tactical approach, with Zé Ferreira and Santi García expected to anchor the midfield effectively.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Agustín Moreira	Unknown	Doubtful

Despite the uncertainty around Moreira’s availability, Gil Vicente’s coach César Peixoto has the advantage of fielding a consistent lineup that has shown resilience and adaptability. The midfield duo of Ferreira and García is anticipated to shoulder additional responsibilities in Moreira’s absence, ensuring stability in ball distribution and defensive transitions.

The absence of significant player suspensions allows Gil Vicente to focus on implementing their strategic game plan without major disruptions. The team’s ability to retain its core lineup could prove advantageous in navigating this challenging fixture against FC Porto, potentially influencing betting markets that might have factored in more substantial lineup changes.

Gil Vicente Key Players

Gil Vicente’s attacking threat is spearheaded by their top scorer Pablo, who has impressively netted 10 goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the opposition’s box make him a constant danger. Pablo’s movement and positioning are vital, as he often capitalises on the creative play from midfield. His partnership with Gustavo Varela in the forward line could be a defining factor against FC Porto.

In midfield, Santi García and Murilo play crucial roles in both offensive transitions and defensive stability. Santi García’s vision and Murilo’s energy are essential in dictating the tempo and breaking down the opposition’s play. Defensively, Jonathan Buatu and Marvin Gilbert form a solid central pairing, tasked with thwarting FC Porto’s attacking threats. Their ability to read the game and make timely interventions will be key to maintaining a solid defensive front.

Expected lineup for Gil Vicente

• Goalkeeper: Daniel Figueira
• Defence: Zé Carlos, Jonathan Buatu, Marvin Gilbert, Ghislain Konan
• Midfield: Zé Ferreira, Santi García, Murilo, Luís Esteves, Joelson Fernandes
• Forward: Gustavo Varela

Gil Vicente Tactics & Formation

Gil Vicente Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Gustavo Varela
• Midfield Pivot: Zé Ferreira and Santi García
• Defensive Strength: Struggled with clean sheets, no clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on maintaining possession and utilising wide areas.

Gil Vicente’s 4-2-3-1 configuration is designed to provide tactical flexibility and control in midfield. Zé Ferreira and Santi García form the central midfield pivot, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and initiating offensive transitions. This allows the team to maintain possession, which was evident in their 54% possession against Nacional.

Defensively, the back four features Zé Carlos and Ghislain Konan as full-backs, with Jonathan Buatu and Marvin Gilbert in central defence. Despite their efforts, the team has struggled to keep clean sheets, failing to do so in their last five outings, indicating potential vulnerabilities that FC Porto might exploit.

Offensively, Gil Vicente leverage the pace and creativity of wingers like Joelson Fernandes and Luís Esteves, aiming to stretch defences and create space for Gustavo Varela, the lone striker, to capitalise on. Their approach often involves quick transitions and utilising wide areas to create opportunities.

FC Porto vs Gil Vicente: Head-to-Head Record

FC Porto have a commanding lead in the head-to-head record against Gil Vicente, with 32 wins out of 43 encounters, while Gil Vicente have managed just 6 victories and 5 matches have ended in a draw. In their most recent clash, Porto secured a 2-0 win away at Gil Vicente in Liga Portugal.

The last time these two met at Estádio do Dragão, Porto emerged victorious with a 3-0 scoreline. Historically, Porto have been dominant at home, consistently outscoring Gil Vicente, which is reflected in their overall goal tally of 91 to 36.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Gil Vicente	FC Porto	0 – 2	Primeira Liga	2025-08-18
Gil Vicente	FC Porto	3 – 1	Primeira Liga	2025-01-19
FC Porto	Gil Vicente	3 – 0	Primeira Liga	2024-08-10
Gil Vicente	FC Porto	1 – 1	Primeira Liga	2024-02-25
FC Porto	Gil Vicente	2 – 1	Primeira Liga	2023-09-23