Porto visit the Beira team this Sunday, after being eliminated from the League Cup, and could gain an advantage over Sporting and Benfica.
After being eliminated from the League Cup, in a game where he made many changes to the starting eleven, Francesco Farioli is expected to have FC Porto’s best team back for their return to the league, scheduled for this Sunday away to Tondela.
The FC Porto coach is expected to make changes in all areas, starting with the goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, in the starting lineup.
Deniz Gül is now fit to play, while Gabri Veiga is still a doubt for Porto . Therefore, Rodrigo Mora is aiming for a starting position in midfield.
Farioli could surprise in attack, because there are only two positions for Pepê, William Gomes and Borja Sainz. Pepê is going through a delicate personal moment and, therefore, may start on the bench.
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On Tondela’s side, this will only be the second game under Cristiano Bacci’s command, making it difficult to predict the team’s lineup. However, the Italian coach is expected to opt for a starting eleven very similar to the one he fielded in the victory in Barcelos against Gil Vicente (1-0). FC Porto, the league leaders with 34 points, face Tondela, currently 15th with nine points, in a match of the 13th round of the Liga. A victory would give the Dragons a five-point lead over Sporting (second) and an eight-point lead over Benfica (third).
Check out the likely starting lineups for Tondela-FC Porto in the associated gallery.