- The Porto vs Arsenal clash will kick off on Wednesday.
- The match will kick off at 11PM at Estadio do Dragao.
The stage is set for the battle between Portuguese side FC Porto and Arsenal that will take place on Wednesday, January 21 in a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.
Arsenal will be seeking to overcome the Primeira Liga side in the two-legged encounter and proceed to the quarterfinals for the first time since the 2009/2010 season.
Coincidentally, FC Porto is the side that the Gunners defeated in March 2010 to qualify for the last eight.
The North London-based side registered an aggregate win of 6- 2 with Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner netting a hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium to help the side coached by Arsene Wenger then to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit.
Fast forward to 2024, Arsenal’s squad has completely changed with new faces such as Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard penetrating opponents’ defenses with ease.
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The Gunners currently occupy the second position in the Premier League standings with 55 points, two behind leaders Liverpool FC.
A win for the Mikel Arteta-coached side will therefore increase their chances of fighting for their first-ever Champions League crown.
On the other hand, Porto have been regulars in the Champions League in recent years, reaching the knockout stage six times in the last seven campaigns.
The Sergio Conceicao charges qualified for the round of 16 after finishing second in Group H behind multiple winners FC Barcelona.
A home win for FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão will put them a step closer to booking a quarterfinal ticket for the first time since the 2008/2009 season.
Here are the key details you need to comprehend ahead of the much-awaited clash. Click this link to place your bet on the game and remember you can get up to 1000% SportPesa bonus on your multi bet of up to 50 games.
What time does Porto vs Arsenal Start?
The fixture is scheduled to start at 11 pm Kenyan time on Wednesday at the Estádio do Dragão.
Porto vs Arsenal Team News
The visitors are expected to miss the services of Portuguese midfielder Fabio Viera (groin), Jurrien Timber (ACL) and Thomas Partey (thigh).
Japanese versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu and the ex-Manchester City duo of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus are also sidelined due to injuries.
Meanwhile, FC Porto will be without Nigerian left-back Zaidu Sanusi (ACL) and Ivan Marcano (ACL) who are not expected to return anytime soon.
With Sanusi’s absence, Conceicao is likely to incorporate Jorge Sanchez to his defense that also has former Real Madrid center-back Pepe.
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Possible Starting Lineups
FC Porto: Costa, Sanchez, Pepe, Cardoso, Wendell, Gonzalez, Conceicao, Varela, Galeno, Evanilson, Taremi
Arsenal: Ramsdale, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Kiwior, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard
Porto vs Arsenal Head-to-head
The Dragons have played against Arsenal six times since 2006 with the latter emerging victorious on three occasions. One of those matches ended in a draw.
FC Porto: 2
Draw: 1
Arsenal: 3
FC Porto vs Arsenal Current Form
FC Porto: WWDLW
Arsenal: WWWWW
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Porto vs Arsenal Predictions
Arsenal are enjoying an excellent form at the moment, hammering opponents left, right and center with the latest victims being Burnley FC.
The Gunners have scored 21 goals in their last five matches, an indication that FC Porto will have a lot of difficulties coping with the razor-sharp attack.
However, the hosts also have what it takes to stun Arsenal at the Estádio do Dragão due to the experienced players they have in their squad including the veteran Pepe.
Therefore, fans should get ready for a compelling encounter in which both sides may not keep a clean sheet.
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Quick facts on Porto vs Arsenal
How many league titles have Porto won?
Porto have won 30 league titles – including an unparalleled series of five consecutive top-place finishes from 1994 to 1999 – and lifted the Taça de Portugal on 19 occasions and 1 Taça da Liga.
When did Arsenal last make a Champions League appearance?
Arsenal’s last appearance in the Champions League was during the 2016/17 season, in what had been their 17th consecutive campaign in the tournament and seventh in a row that they had exited at the round of 16 stage.
What is the record between Arsenal and Porto?
Porto and Arsenal played 6 Games since 2006. Among them, FC Porto won 2 games (Total Goals 4, PPG 0.7), Arsenal won 3 (Total Goals 12, PPG 2.0), and drew 1.
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