Unstoppable Porto set for more success
With the obvious exception of Porto supporters, practically everyone in Portugal will be supporting Vitoria Guimaraes tonight, including maybe even reluctant fans of rivals Sporting Braga.
Why? Well, the responsibility of ensuring that the fight for the Portuguese Liga title isn't effectively sewn up just seven games into the new campaign weighs solely on their shoulders as they host the division's blistering pacesetters.
For only the second time in 28 years, Porto were forced to settle for a place outside of the top two last season, and they've immediately set about ensuring that there will be no repeat, winning all 11 of their matches under new boss Andre Villas Boas, including six in the league.
They were already seven points clear heading into this weekend - an unprecedented gap at such an early stage - but losses for Braga and Academica have handed them an opportunity to extend their lead to nine points.
So all eyes are on Vitoria, who can close within four points of the impressive new-look Porto, who actually made a profit in the transfer window after receiving big fees for Raul Meireles and Bruno Alves, yet bought well by adding the likes of Joao Moutinho, Souza and Nicolas Otamendi to their squad.
The omens are dreadful for Porto's hosts though, who suffered their first defeat against Villas Boas' old club Academica last week and have been beaten in their eight clashes with the [1.28] title favourites, last overcoming them in 2001.
Odds of [6.6] are offered on that losing streak being eradicated this evening, however it's a brave punter who backs against the soaring visitors right now at [1.65]. Porto haven't conceded yet on their travels so the best bet of all may be on them keeping another clean sheet at [2.2].
Vitoria Guimaraes v Porto
Kick-off: 9.15pm
Live on Betfair Live Video
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Published: 4 Oct 2010
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