Injuries force Farioli into several changes at FC Porto for Nacional clash | OneFootball

Several issues are affecting the preparation for the trip to Nacional. Francesco Farioli will have to change the lineup that FC Porto will present next Sunday, in the 22nd round of the Primeira Liga. With Samu in doubt and unable to count on William Gomes, the Italian coach may also forgo Pepê and Borja Sainz in search of more offensive effectiveness.

The blue and white emblem is going through a less productive moment in the final third of the field, having scored eight goals in the five league rounds played in 2026.

This translates to an average of 1.6 goals per match, a number that, although acceptable, is limited at a time when the title race is heating up.

The evident effectiveness problems fall on Borja Sainz and Pepê. The Spanish forward started well at Dragão but lost dynamism; Borja's absence of goals in the last eight matches is symptomatic and demands a response from Farioli.

The same applies to Pepê, who now accumulates ten consecutive matches without scoring, although he has registered two assists in that period. The Brazilian international showed good signs at the start of the season but, like his Spanish counterpart, has been less decisive.

Opportunity for Pietuszewski?

Farioli is concerned about the scarcity of goals and will have to evaluate the alternatives on the bench. Rodrigo Mora is the most obvious option, although the coach has already considered him more as a substitute for Gabri Veiga in the midfield than as an offensive solution.

With William Gomes still unavailable – serving the second of a two-match suspension – the Polish Oskar Pietuszewski emerges, decisive in the victory achieved “at home” against Vitória SC by coming off the bench and provoking the penalty that Alan Varela converted.

There is also a young player to consider who has already been mentioned by Francesco Farioli. André Miranda, 18 years old, has been training regularly with the first team and made his debut scoring for the B team last Friday, increasingly integrated into professional football.

Samu may promote Moffi's debut

Another focus of concern is the physical condition of Samu. The 21-year-old forward was substituted at halftime in the Classic against Sporting, and Farioli expressed concern in the subsequent press conference.

“Regarding Samu, I didn't get the best feeling watching the images on television, but I hope it's nothing serious. But I think bringing in Moffi, Fofana... The club did an incredible job, made the decision to strengthen the team and solve any problems,” pointed out the Italian coach.

Samu, who was also not going through his best moment in terms of goals – four in the last ten games – saw his season interrupted by a serious injury, which may open the door for Deniz Gul or Terem Moffi to the starting eleven.

The Turkish international is, in principle, the natural substitute for Samu, but Farioli may also opt to debut Moffi, the fourth and final winter reinforcement for FC Porto.

The Nigerian forward, on loan from Nice, was already on the bench in Monday's Classic without coming on, something that may change on Sunday, especially since he has previously worked with the coach.

Defense also a concern

Farioli's concerns are not limited to the attack. The defense may also undergo forced changes due to the injuries of Martim Fernandes and Jakub Kiwior against Sporting.

Following a play that allowed Sporting to equalize near the end and directly involved Francisco Moura, Zaidu may have the opportunity to start in Madeira.

It should be noted that FC Porto, leader of the Primeira Liga with a four-point advantage over Sporting and seven over Benfica, visits Nacional on Sunday at 3:30 PM, at Choupana, in the 22nd round.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.