FC Porto vs Arsenal Prediction & Betting Tips (21 February)

European champion in 2004 against AS Monaco, Porto was never again glorified in the Champions League but won the Europa League in 2011. Renowned club in Portugal and on the Old Continent, the Dragons count no less of 30 Portuguese championship titles. This year, they are currently 3rd in the ranking and are 7 points behind the leader, Sporting. Present in the same Champions League group as FC Barcelona, ​​which took first place, Porto did what was necessary to take 2nd place thanks to a success against the serious formation of Shakhtar during the final day of group stage 5-3. Since the start of the calendar year, Porto seemed unplayable with notably four consecutive victories against Estoril in the Cup 0-4 and in the league against Braga 2-0, Moreirense 5-0 or even on the lawn of promoted Farense 1-3. Then beaten in Arouca 15 days ago in the Portuguese Liga 3-2, Porto made up for it on Saturday with a 2-0 victory against Estrela. The Gunners are back in the Champions League this season and they brilliantly took 1st place in their group made up of PSV 2nd, Lens 3rd and outgoing Europa League winner Sevilla 4th.

Note however that the London club conceded a setback in this campaign, against Bollaert 2-1. For the rest, it's almost perfect with 4 wins and 1 draw. Runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League last season, the Emirates are once again engaged in the title race this year. They currently occupy 2nd place in the ranking, 2 points behind the leader. After having played 3 matches without success at the end of December, the London team is showing itself to be intractable in 2024. Indeed, Arsenal have won their last 5 league matches played against Crystal Palace 5-0, Nottingham Forest 1-2, Liverpool 3-1, West Ham 0-6 and Burnley last weekend 0-5.

At the age of 36, the excellent central defender Marcano is bothered by his knee and will be OUT for this first leg. It is the young Otavio who now takes his place in the hinge with the irremovable Pepe. In addition, left back Zaidu Sanusi (Nigeria), beaten in the CAN final, made his return last weekend, but he was injured against Estrela and must therefore withdraw. Author of 9 goals in the league, Evanilson is available but who of Mehdi Taremi (only 3 goals in the league, 22 last season). The latter had regained confidence during the Asian Cup (semi-finalist with Iran, 3 goals) but he has played little since his return. Remaining on the bench against Estrela, he is now announced injured and very uncertain this Wednesday. Author of 17 goals last season with the Portuguese club Gil Vicente, Fran Navarro decided to leave on loan to Olympiakos due to his lack of time during the first half of the season.

Mikel Arteta must still do without Partey (important in the midfield), the young talent Fabio Vieira and Jurrien Timber, all insufficiently recovered from their physical problems. Also absent these days, former Cityzens Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus are, for their part, uncertain this week. This is also the case for the interesting defender Tomiyasu. Bukayo Saka (3 goals, 4 assists in the Champions League this season) will be highly anticipated, like the playing master Odegaard (4 goals, 5 goals in the PL). Elements like Trossard (6 goals), Rice, Havertz, Martinelli (5 goals, 2 offerings) make Arsenal the favorite in this double opposition.