FC Porto are preparing to return to play at the Estádio do Dragão this Saturday, when they host Famalicão, almost a week after the defeat to Vitória SC (1-2), which was the second consecutive defeat in the I Liga. The Dragons' obligation is, from the outset, to respond to these two impactful defeats in the league accounts (despite the triumph against the team from Guimarães, by 0-1, in Guimarães, in the first leg of the 'semis' of the Portuguese Cup), above all so as not to let the third position that they have held for several weeks slip away - given that Sporting de Braga and Vitória SC are following close behind, with two fewer points. The truth is that FC Porto have presented a highly fluctuating result, between victories and defeats, since their elimination from the Champions League, at a time when, in addition to securing third position, the Portuguese Cup remains to 'save' the season for the blue and whites, with the much-desired access to the Jamor final being precisely the next game, also at the Dragão, next Wednesday. As for Famalicão, since they hired Armando Evangelista to replace João Pedro Sousa, they have only known how to win, with the most recent triumphs against Gil Vicente (1-2) and Vizela (3-2), which is also a serious warning to the team led by Sérgio Conceição. The game is scheduled to start at 6 pm (Continental Portugal time) this Saturday, refereed by Gustavo Correia, and you can follow the incidents of the match, live, on Desporto ao Minuto.

Coaches in direct speech

Sérgio Conceição:

Analysis of Famalicão: "I expect a Famalicão in the image of what they have been this season. Even with João Pedro [Sousa], Famalicão have always been competent and playing a championship within what was expected. In the last two games, which we analysed in more detail, with Armando [Evangelista], it is true that those two players were good. Others will come in with level because Famalicão have a well-equipped squad. We are going to face a good team in our league. Another difficult game. We have to do our best to win".

Response to the bad phase: "There are always situations to analyse, both positive and negative. Of course, it is to take hold of things that did not go so well and work in training. (...) Many times we are left without solutions due to punishments and injuries, but the coaches are here to find solutions and for the team to enter the game only thinking about what they have to do tomorrow. It is not worth looking at what has passed. Yes, there is to analyse and look to the near future, tomorrow".

Management after Pepe's expulsion: "He showed up here as one of the first to work. Always with the same ambition and dedication. There was no difference in behaviour. The state of mind when you lose or something like that happens is not the best, but it is part of it. For us, it is nothing new to give more emphasis and more coverage and more stage to what the reactions were and not to the causes. But it is usual. It is usual that and everything that are the processes raised, is part of the image that was the season. I can't say more, or I'll get another lawsuit".

João Pedro Sousa:

FC Porto's negative sequence: "FC Porto's recent results have certainly put the team on high alert and this could make Famalicão's task more difficult, even if our confidence levels are increasing due to the victories achieved".

Difficult task at the Dragão: "It is a game of very high difficulty, and being away from home will make our task even more complicated. We have to set realistic goals, but it doesn't seem to me that it is impossible to get a good result at the Dragão".

Did Famalicão have the conditions to fight for Europe?: ""I have been at the club for 15 days and I was not the one who set these goals. I recognise that Famalicão's dimension and growth can approach, in terms of competitiveness, the top clubs, but now the important thing is to validate the two previous victories with good performances and growth".

Last results

FC Porto: L-W-L-W-L

Famalicão: W-W-D-L-D

Last starting elevens

FC Porto: Diogo Costa, Jorge Sánchez , Fábio Cardoso, Pepe, Wendell, Nico González, Alan Varela, Francisco Conceição, Pepê, Wenderson Galeno and Danny Namaso

Famalicão: Luiz Júnior, Nathan Santos, Enea Mihaj, Riccieli, Francisco Moura, Zaydou Youssouf, Mirko Topic, Gustavo Sá, Puma Rodríguez, Chiquinho and Jhonder Cádiz.

Absences

FC Porto: Pepe and João Mário (suspended); Zaidu, Iván Marcano and Fábio Cardoso (injured).

Famalicão: Chiquinho and Riccieli (suspended); Henrique Araújo (injured).

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