Porto vs Arsenal Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Porto vs Arsenal Match Preview

• Date – Wednesday, February 21, 2024
• Kick-off Time – 08:00 pm GMT
• Venue – Estadio do Dragao

FC Porto will host Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash on Wednesday.

Arsenal have returned to Europe’s biggest competition after six years and were excellent in the group stages. They topped their group with four wins, one draw, and one defeat.

The Gunners have been in excellent form as well, winning their last five Premier League games. They have scored a whopping 21 goals in that time, conceding just two. They beat Burnley 5-0 away in their last league game.

Meanwhile, Porto finished second in their Champions League group behind Barcelona on head-to-head. They had four wins and two defeats in six group games.

Porto are third in Liga Portugal, seven points behind leaders Benfica. They have lost just one of their last 10 games across competitions.

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Team News

Porto will be without Ivan Marcano due to his ACL injury.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are missing Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, and Thomas Partey due to their respective injuries. Gabriel Jesus, however, could return to action against Porto.

Predicted Lineups

Porto:

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
Defenders: Joao Mario, Pepe, Otavio, Zaidu Sanusi
Midfielders: Pepe, Alan Varela, Nico Gonzalez
Attackers: Chico Conceicao, Evanilson, Wenderson Galeno

Arsenal:

Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior
Midfielders: Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz
Attackers: Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli

Head-to-Head

Arsenal and Porto have faced off six times in the past, with the Gunners winning thrice. The Portuguese giants have won two of their meetings while one encounter ended in a draw.

Their previous meeting came back in 2010.

Last five results:

Arsenal 5-0 Porto – UEFA Champions League – March 10, 2010

Porto 2-1 Arsenal – UEFA Champions League – February 18, 2010

Porto 2-0 Arsenal – UEFA Champions League – December 11, 2008

Arsenal 4-0 Porto – UEFA Champions League – October 1, 2008

Porto 0-0 Arsenal – UEFA Champions League – December 7, 2006

Prediction

Arsenal have been in terrific form in recent times and will look to maintain their momentum in the UEFA Champions League as well. They have been eliminated from both domestic cups but are still fighting for the Premier League title.

However, they will certainly look to go deep in the Champions League in their return to the competition after six years.

Meanwhile, Porto have some experienced players in their ranks, who have featured in the Champions League previously. They have also been in good form except for one defeat. The Portuguese giants will look to take home advantage and get a lead in the first leg.

However, Arsenal’s potent attack could turn out to be too much for Porto’s defense.

Predicted Score: Porto 1-2 Arsenal

Also Read: Burnley vs Arsenal Player Ratings- Saka, Havertz, and Trossard Shine in Away Victory

Odds (subject to change)

Porto win – 5.80

Arsenal win – 1.75

Draw – 3.95

Odds source – Oddspedia.com

Betting Tips

• Arsenal to win – 1.75
• Arsenal to score a penalty – 5.00

Where to Watch

• India – Sony Ten network/ Sony Liv
• UK – TNT Sports
• US – CBS Sports Golazo