Porto and Arsenal Clash Preview, Forecast, and Wager Suggestions
The Showdown Tonight – Porto plays host to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. The Dragões are eager to make it to the quarter-finals for just the third time in 12 years, while the Gunners are gunning for their first quarter-finals since 2010.
Porto's Journey So Far
Currently trailing Benfica by seven points in the Primeira Liga, Porto qualified for the knockout stage with a 4-2 group stage record (4 wins, 2 losses). After a thrilling 5-3 home win over Shakhtar Donetsk in Matchday Six, Porto stumbled in their last two matches, losing 2-0 to rivals Sporting Lisbon. They've played ten games since then, with two wins, a draw, and six more victories. Their title hopes took a blow with a 0-0 home draw against Rio Ave and a 3-2 away defeat at Arouca. Recovering from setbacks, Porto secured a 2-0 home win against Estrela da Amadora at the weekend.
Team News for Porto
Coach Sergio Conceicao faces an injury doubt over left-back Zaidu Sanusi, with Jorge Sanchez expected to deputise. Central defender Ivan Marcano is out for the season post-knee surgery, while striker Mehdi Taremi has only played 22 minutes since his return from the Asia Cup. Expect Taremi to start this match, with Evanilson moving to the bench. Centre-back Fabio Cardoso is available after serving a domestic suspension.
Motivation for Porto
To progress, Porto must secure a home victory. They'll push hard and transition swiftly, but they must maintain a compact defense to contain Arsenal.
Arsenal's Momentum
Arsenal, after a three-game losing streak, were forced out of the FA Cup and were struggling in the title race. However, a five-game winning streak has followed, starting with a 5-0 win against Crystal Palace. They've been conceding late goals, but their recent form suggests they could pose a serious threat to Porto.
Team News for Arsenal
Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey are sidelined due to injuries, while Takehiro Tomiyasu should be back after recovering from the Asia Cup. There's a possibility of Fabio Vieira featuring on the bench against his former club, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus both doubtful for selection.
Motivation for Arsenal
In top form, Arsenal is eager to take a decisive stride forward in the Champions League and secure a place in the quarter-finals. They are expected to dominate possession in this clash.
Key Stats
With four wins in their last six Champions League matches, Porto is on a roll[1]. Meanwhile, Arsenal is unbeaten in ten home games[1], demonstrating their dominance at home. Arsenal's Saka has scored six goals in his last four matches[3], indicating his impressive form.
[1] ChampionsLeagueStats.com (2023). Data provided by Opta.
[2] Odds are updated daily. Please check with your bookmaker for the latest odds.
[3] Stats provided by Whoscored.com, based on matches played until March 1, 2023.
- Porto aims to make it to the Champions League quarter-finals for only the third time in 12 years, as they host Arsenal tonight in European league competition.
- Porto's journey so far in the Champions League has seen them qualify for the knockout stage with a 4-2 group stage record, but they've faced some challenges, losing to Sporting Lisbon and drawing with Rio Ave and Arouca in recent games.
- Arsenal, on the other hand, are looking to capitalize on their recent five-game winning streak, after a previous three-game losing streak. They've been conceding late goals, but their recent form suggests they could pose a serious threat in this match.
- In the context of sports betting, both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. Porto has won four out of their last six Champions League matches, while Arsenal is unbeaten in ten home games. Arsenal's Saka has also been in impressive form, scoring six goals in his last four matches.
