Alverca vs Porto Prediction 22.12.2025 | Primeira Liga

After securing a long-awaited return to Portugal’s top flight following a 22-year absence, Alverca can take immense pride in their start to the Primeira Liga campaign, currently occupying a respectable tenth place with 17 points.

However, the Ribatejo outfit’s recent surge in form — highlighted by two wins and a draw — was halted in the previous round, suffering a damaging 1-0 defeat away to relegation-threatened Arouca.

This latest setback underscores Alverca’s ongoing struggles in front of goal. With just 15 goals scored all season, their attack has lacked cutting edge, emphasizing the urgent need to sharpen their final-third efficiency if they are to secure their primary objective this term: staying in the division.

With manager Custodio Castro keen to instil greater tactical discipline, the newly-promoted side's home form, which has been mixed with three wins and three losses, will be severely tested as they prepare to face the formidable league leaders, Porto.

Former Wolves winger Chiquinho remains the only confirmed absentee for the clash, sidelined by an unspecified injury that has kept him out for some time, leaving Alverca without one of their key offensive options in what promises to be a stern test against the league leaders.

Meanwhile, the Dragons arrive in the Ribatejo as the undisputed rulers of the Primeira Liga, sitting pretty at the summit of the table with a staggering 40 points from a possible 42, having yet to taste defeat this season. 

Francesco Farioli’s high-flying side boasts one of the most lethal attacking units in the division, but even more impressive has been their near-impenetrable defensive structure, having conceded just four goals across 14 top-flight outings.

Fresh from a commanding 4-1 dismantling of Famalicao in midweek Taca de Portugal action, the red-hot Dragons are now eager to extend their momentum, targeting a seventh consecutive league victory as they look to preserve their narrow lead over title chasers Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.

Zaidu Sanusi will be unavailable after departing for international duty with Nigeria at AFCON, while Nehuen Perez and Luuk de Jong remain sidelined with long-term injuries. Aside from those absences, the rest of the squad is expected to be fully fit and available for selection.