- Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
- Location: Estádio do Dragão, Porto, Portugal
- Teams: FC Porto vs Arsenal
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Arsenal travel to Porto in first leg
Arsenal, having won Group B travel to Porto to take on the Group H runners up. Porto finished level on points with group winners Barcelona. The Gunners, as group winners, will play the second leg at home.
FC Porto
Porto are currently in a three-way race for the Primeira Liga title with Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, having finished runners-up last season. Sergio Conceicao’s side are currently in third place and warmed up for the Champions League match with a 2-0 victory over Estrela. Amadora. They are currently unbeaten in 10 matches at home in all competitions. Their Champions League group matches saw them win four out of six matches to finish level on points with group winners Barcelona.
Porto’s win over Estrela at the weekend saw left-back Zaidu Sanusi stretchered off iwith a complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Ivan Marcano also has an ACL injury and is unlikely to return this season. Stephen Eustaquio is doubtful.
Arsenal
Arsenal qualified as group winners in a most convincing manner. Since then the Gunners have not had things all their own way this season, going out of the FA Cup to Liverpool and dropping several points in the Premier League. However, Mikel Arteta’s side have returned to form spectacularly in the last few weeks and their last twio away fixtures in the league saw them hit six against West Ham United and five against Burnley after a huge win over Liverpool served notice of their intent to stay in the title race. While Porto are undoubtedly a good side, in the context of the Champions League the draw has been kind to Arsenal, and they will aim to make the most of it.
Emile Smith Rowe returnedafter an ankle issue to make the bench against Burnley. Gabriel Jesus (knee), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knock) all missed the win against the Clarets are doubtful for Porto.
Jurrien Timber continues to recoverfrom an ACL injury, Thomas Partey (thigh) and Fabio Vieira (groin) are also continuing their comebacks.
Prediction
While Porto are a side fully deserving of respect we fully expect Arsenal to come through over two legs. Porto have a great home record, but Arsenal are in great form and are scoring goals for fun, with 11 in their last two away matches. We not only think that Arsenal will progress to the last 16 but we also expect them to win the first leg on the night. Away win.
Estádio do Dragão, Porto, Portugal
Odds correct at the time of writing. Odds subject to change.
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