AD Marco 09 has been displaying consistent form in the current edition of the Portuguese Cup. The team has secured two wins in their two opening tournament matches: a 1-0 victory over Elvas at home and a 1-0 away win against Sinfães. These results extend the team's overall trend in cup matches – they are unbeaten in their last three games (two wins, one draw). It is also important to note that the team's last three tournament matches have ended with a total of under 2.5 goals, pointing to reliable defensive work. However, most of this statistics has been compiled against teams of their own level or from past seasons, which does not allow for a full assessment of their current capabilities.
Farense approaches this match following a confident 0-2 victory over Vidagu in the first round. An analysis of their recent matches in the Primeira Liga (2024/25 season) reveals inconsistent results: two wins (2-1 against Famalicão and 1-2 against Guimarães) and two defeats (1-2 to Santa Clara and 1-0 to Gil Vicente). A key statistical insight is that Farense has scored at least one goal in three of their last four official matches. The team demonstrates an ability to score away from home, as evidenced by the win over Guimarães and their confident start in the cup. The difference in class between the Primeira Liga and AD Marco 09's level remains a significant factor, despite the visitors' formal tournament instability.
Tactically, the match is likely to shape up with the hosts defending against the visitors' positional pressure. AD Marco 09 will most probably rely on a compact defensive block and counter-attacks, leveraging their home advantage and current confidence. Their success is built on keeping a clean sheet, as shown by two consecutive shutouts. The key for them will be to maintain defensive organization throughout the entire match. Farense, possessing superior individual skill, will control possession and look for ways to break down the dense defense. Their main task will be to overcome the deep defensive block and capitalize on their advantages in speed and technique. The main threat is expected to come from set-pieces and crosses into the box, where the visitors' physical superiority could be decisive.
The match recommendation clearly points to a Farense victory. The difference in class, experience against top-division opponents, and individual quality should be the deciding factors. AD Marco 09 might put up serious resistance, especially in the first half, but the visitors' resources and bench depth will ultimately allow them to turn the game around. The most probable scoreline appears to be 0-2 in favor of Farense. This option takes into account both the hosts' defensive stability at the start and the visitors' superiority, which they will be able to assert as the match progresses, alongside AD Marco 09's general trend towards low-scoring games.