The Liga Portugal face-off between Famalicao and Santa Clara is set to take place in perfect conditions at the atmospheric Municipal 22 de Junho in Famalicao. With kick-off scheduled for 21:15 on December 30, 2024, football fans can expect an exciting contest as both teams look to climb the league ladder. Famalicao is currently ninth with 19 points, eager to improve their position. Their recent matches have shown both determination and vulnerability, especially when they faced strong teams like FC Porto and SC Braga.
Santa Clara stands in fifth place with 27 points and aims to cement its spot among the league’s top teams. After a recent win over Rio Ave, they seem highly competitive and are striving to maintain their unbeaten run. Despite Famalicao’s home advantage record, Santa Clara managed to snatch a 1-0 win in their latest encounter in November 2024.
The weather forecast is favorable, with clear skies over the stadium. The pitch is expected to be dry and fast, allowing for a lively and skill-intensive game.
Famalicao vs Santa Clara Prediction & Betting Tip
- Prediction: Over 1.5 goals
- Odds: 1.6 – 1.6
- Recommended Bet: Over 1.5 goals
Betting Insight: Given Famalicao’s current phase, where they’ve shown their ability to score even in less than favorable results, and Santa Clara’s balanced offense and defense, betting on over 1.5 goals seems wise. Both squads have offensive capabilities, and the good weather should contribute to a dynamic match with several goals.
| Famalicao vs Santa Clara Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Over 1.5 goals | 1.6 |
Famalicao vs Santa Clara Odds
The betting markets expect a tight game with Famalicao slightly favored due to their home advantage. However, Santa Clara’s strong form suggests they could challenge the odds. A draw is a reasonable possibility, given the two teams’ similar strengths, and the prediction for over 1.5 goals aligns with expectations for a game with plenty of scoring chances.
| Famalicao vs Santa Clara Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Famalicao Win | 2.10 |
| Draw | 3.30 |
| Santa Clara Win | 3.40 |
| Over 1.5 goals | 1.6 |
Famalicao Team Analysis
Famalicao Recent Performance
Recently, Famalicao has had a mix of performances. Their 3-2 win over AVS shows promise, but they’ve also faced defeats and draws. Their recent 1-2 home loss to Farense points to defensive issues but managing to draw with giants like FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon highlights their resilience.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Famalicao | Farense | 1-2 |
| Sporting Lisbon | Famalicao | 0-0 |
| FC Porto | Famalicao | 1-1 |
| Famalicao | AVS | 3-2 |
| Famalicao | SC Braga | 1-1 |
Sitting in ninth, Famalicao needs to make the most of their home ground advantage to move up the table.
Famalicao Key Players
Without their top scorer, Gil Dias, due to suspension, Oscar Aranda is expected to lead the front. Goalkeeper Lazar Carevic remains a key player with his defensive skills, while Ricardo Rocha will be vital in defense. In midfield, Gustavo Sa and Rochinha not only provide stability but are also crucial in creating offensive opportunities. Zaydou Youssouf’s role in transitioning defense to attack will be essential.
Famalicao Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Yassir Zabiri | Injured | Defensive option reduced |
| Ivan Zlobin | Injured | Squad depth affected |
| Gil Dias | Suspended | Offensive strategy impacted |
Famalicao is facing some challenges with player availability—Yassir Zabiri and Ivan Zlobin are injured, and Gil Dias is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. This situation may require tactical adjustments and a call on lesser-used players, testing the depth and adaptability of the squad.
Famalicao Tactics and Formation
Likely employing a 4-2-3-1 formation, Famalicao is expected to focus on strong defense to counter Santa Clara’s attack. The strategy might include fast counter-attacks, taking advantage of their attackers’ speed and long-ball tactics to exploit defensive gaps. Set pieces could be a key way to break through defenses and score.
Santa Clara Team Analysis
Santa Clara Recent Performance
Santa Clara has shown mixed results recently with two wins and three losses. A 2-0 defeat to Braga highlighted their struggles against top-tier teams, although their Taça de Portugal journey shows they have a balanced approach between attack and defense.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Braga | Santa Clara | 2-0 |
| Santa Clara | Vizela | 1-0 |
| Guimaraes | Santa Clara | 2-1 |
| Rio Ave | Santa Clara | 0-3 |
| Santa Clara | Estoril | 2-0 |
They are in a strong league position, currently fifth, and they’re focusing on maintaining disciplined play against stronger teams.
Santa Clara Key Players
Vinicius is a standout on the attack with six goals, known for his ability to seize scoring chances. Gabriel Silva in midfield disrupts opposition play effectively, while Gabriel Batista’s goalkeeping strengthens their defense. Players like Matheus Nunes and KLismahn will be vital for their stability, offering creativity when it’s most needed.
Santa Clara Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Pacheco | Injured | Cruciate ligament |
| Ricardinho | Injured | Recovery ongoing |
| Lucas Soares de Almeida | Suspended | Disciplinary |
With Pedro Pacheco sidelined due to a ligament injury, Santa Clara needs to make full use of squad depth. Ricardinho’s possible return later will be an asset. Lucas Soares de Almeida’s suspension poses a tactical challenge but also opens the door for younger players to step up.
Santa Clara Tactics and Formation
They are likely to play with a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on a solid defense. They might look to control the midfield and launch fast-paced attacks, utilizing set-pieces and wing play to outmaneuver Famalicao’s defense.
Famalicao vs Santa Clara Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Famalicao has done well at home against Santa Clara, though their matches are often closely contested with low scores. Santa Clara’s 1-0 win in their last meeting shows their potential to disrupt Famalicao’s plans.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara | Famalicao | 1-0 |
| Famalicao | Santa Clara | 2-1 |
| Santa Clara | Famalicao | 0-0 |
| Famalicao | Santa Clara | 1-0 |
| Famalicao | Santa Clara | 1-1 |
Past encounters suggest a tight match, but Famalicao’s home defense and Santa Clara’s strategic adaptability will make it an intriguing contest.
Venue and Weather
The Municipal 22 de Junho will host the match, offering a cozy setting with a capacity of 5,307. Known as a stronghold for Famalicao fans, the stadium will be vibrant. With clear skies and mild temperatures around 12.7°C, the weather is ideal for football, encouraging a high-energy game. Minimal wind allows for fluid play, supporting both teams’ strategies for an exciting football showdown.
