Champions League: Porto vs. Arsenal
FC Porto vs Arsenal will be fighting for a place in the quarter finals of Champions League. The last time they met in December, Arsenal displayed a disappointing outcome that saw them trailing behind FC Porto at Estadio do Dragao in the group stages. Porto dominated and asserted their authority in their home field where Bruno Alves scored unchallenged goal and Lisandro Lopez doubled Porto’s advantage just after the break.
Porto might not be the favourite and didn’t have the most difficult group to qualify for the knockout stages, they made it through to the last 16. Porto won 3 out of their last 4 games and where one a draw in Liga Sagres. The home game will give them the advantage and the confidence to face Arsenal. Manager Jesualdo Ferreira will have Uruguayan Pereira, Midfielder Meireless and the Portuguese international Bruno Alves who is said to be the best central defender in Europe. Porto will have the Brazilian striker Hulk who is free to play for the European titles after serving a domestic suspension since December due to a tunnel bust-up involving Benfica’s stewards. Porto could be without playmaker Ruben Micael (shoulder) at the same time, Ernesto Farias and Orlando Sa who are both struggling with injuries.
Arsenal’s confidence is just picked up when they injected a new life in their title bid in the Premier League, ending a three-winless game that saw them cruelly exposed and torn apart by Manchester United and Chelse. Their win against Liverpool has boosted the Gunners and saw them bounced back to the title race. The Gunners have not been strong as they’ve been in recent years. Their defence are increasingly fragile and they lack an explosive attack that they were ripped through the counter-attacking football. Arsenal will be without Gallas (back), Song (knee) Almunia (finger) Arshavin and Eduardo (hamstring) and Djourou (knee) as they join the likes of Robin van Persie (ankle) on the sidelines. Samir Nasri will be available after a head injury and forward Carlos Vela returns from knee injury. Arsenal’s injury problem could mean Sol Campbell return in central defence.
Both teams are currently third in their domestic league. While Porto is oozing with confidence from their previous performances, Arsenal has just recently picked up theirs. Arsene Wenger never won in Portugal where their previous visits to the country resulted in a three draws and a defeat. Giving the ball away is becoming a regular occurrence from Arsenal’s players and all their customary one-touch passing has become predictable. If they can maintain their form against Liverpool and make sure their defensive are intact, they will take the advantage lead when they play at home. Plagued with injuries, Porto will take advantage on it. The Gunners will not have an easy ride as Porto are a serious opposition. Check out Betsson as they are offering at odds 3.15 Arsenal to win.
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