Porto welcomes Arsenal to the Estádio do Dragão stadium on Wednesday evening in what is promising to be an action-packed night of Champions League football in the Portuguese City.
Porto welcomes Arsenal to the Estádio do Dragão stadium on Wednesday evening in what is promising to be an action-packed night of Champions League football in the Portuguese City.
While Porto secured their ticket to the knockout stages by clinching second place behind Barcelona in Group H, Arsenal’s rich form saw them top Group B, marking their return to the last 16 in style after a seven-year absence.
Sergio Conceiçao’s outfit has faltered domestically, currently trailing behind Benfica and Sporting in the Primeira Liga by seven points.
In contrast, Arsenal has been a force to reckon with, displaying an impressive run of form.
Since their early FA Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool in the 3rd round at the start of the year, the Gunners have netted 21 goals and boast a flawless record in the Premier League in 2024.
Who will make the biggest impact this week? 📈#FPZstats | @FedExEurope pic.twitter.com/KHra9AltRh
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 20, 2024
Questions linger regarding Arsenal’s experience navigating the treacherous waters of the Champions League knockout stages, particularly against perennial contenders like Porto.
However, the North London side will look to the likes of Declan Rice, a current Europa League champion, and Kai Havertz, who famously clinched the Champions League title for Chelsea with a memorable strike at this very stadium in 2021 for inspiration.
The player to watch in the tie is Bukayo Saka.
Bukayo Saka hadn’t played a game in the UEFA Champions League three months ago.
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) November 30, 2023
Now after five group stage matches, he sits alone at the top for goal contributions in the competition so far this season.
Starboy is shining. 💫 #afc pic.twitter.com/ynp0pymUbU
The Hale End graduate has been a revelation in his debut Champions League campaign, outshining even the most illustrious names in terms of goal involvement, the young Englishman does not look out of place one bit.
Porto has been faltering in recent outings whereas Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are firing on all cylinders and will be further bolstered by the return of Thomas Partey.
It’s a matchup where the odds favour the Gunners, even on Portuguese soil. A double chance wager seems of most value, as it’s difficult to envision Arteta’s well-oiled machine being derailed in this encounter.
