- Academica de Coimbra have drawn their last three games and won only one of the last five in Liga 3, Group B.
- Santarem’s record at home this season is one win, one draw and two defeats.
- The home team has failed to win the last two home games against Academica.
Academica to maintain unbeaten run in Santarem
Academica de Coimbra are the slight favorites at 2.1 to win in Santarem on Saturday with the home side coming in at 3.27. Both teams to Score at 1.83 represents the better value bet, but if you're looking for the Santarem vs Academica de Coimbra prediction, the away team have enough going for them to earn a double result.
Academica sit fourth in Liga 3, Group B with 15 points from 10 games while Santarem are seventh with 11 points from the same number of games. The Santarem vs Academica de Coimbra preview reminds us that the teams met three months ago when Academica won 1-0 at home in Group B, but both teams have one win apiece in the past two meetings and the recent form of the visitors looks enough to give them the edge.
António Barbosa is an experienced coach who knows how to get a tune out of his team, but they have been stuttering of late with three consecutive draws and just one win in their last five. He can change between a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 with the same personnel and likes to control the ball.
Barbosa’s men press from the front when they can, but also do a good job of controlling the tempo when they can’t. Their possession football is based around the midfield and they transition from defence to attack much quicker than from attack to defence, which makes them tough to break down.
Santarem can frustrate and counter
Carlos Fernandes has brought a strong sense of discipline and pragmatism to Santarem since taking over in December 2023. His teams sit deep, are compact, and like to counter attack with directness whenever they win the ball back.
Fernandes doesn’t have a prolific goal scorer in his side yet. Eberth Nogueira, who has two goals in six appearances, is the most prolific striker.
Academica have Leandro Silva, who has scored two goals in his last five appearances, while Tomas Castro has scored two of Santarem’s last five goals, which makes him the most dangerous man on the pitch. Cuba has four goals in seven appearances and remains the biggest goal threat for the visitor.
If you are searching for Santarem vs Academica de Coimbra betting tips, note that both clubs have struggled to keep shutouts at home and away, but the slight edge in motivation to try and win the league must make the hosts more hungry on Saturday. The Santarem vs Academica de Coimbra prediction is that Academica have nothing to lose so will play with greater freedom and can nick it in a game of chess that should suit them more.
