On Tuesday, March 12th, Arsenal welcomes Porto to the Emirates Stadium for the showdown in their two-legged Champions League round-of-16 matchup. The first leg played at the Estadio de Drago ended 1-0 for Porto, giving them the advantage in this match. However, more than a slim 1-0 aggregate scoreline is needed to determine how this tie will go when the final whistle sounds. What can you expect from Arsenal Vs Porto?
Arsenal
Arsenal are currently in phenomenal form. They’re at the top of the Premier League table on goal difference after the Liverpool and Manchester City draw. In their last five matches, they have incredibly won four, scoring 17 goals in the process. Their current Premier League run is impressive, with eight wins and very impressive scorelines. Arsenal is riding high on confidence, which is evident in how every player plays.
Arsenal Team News
Aside from long-time absentee Jurien Timber, Arsenal has no significant injuries. Martinelli was given a rest against Brentford due to a foot injury, but Mikel Arteta insists that the Brazilian winger will be available for the Champions League match. David Raya was also replaced in goal against Brentford in favor of Aaron Ramsdale and will likely return against Porto.
Probable Lineup
Arsenal will likely assume their tried and trusted 4-3-3 shape with David Raya in goal. The backline will have Ben White and Kiwior as the wingbacks. The center-back pairing will be the usual suspects: Gabriel Maghales and William Saliba. The midfield trio will be Jorginho in the central midfield role, Declan Rice in the defensive midfield role, and Martin Odegaard operating just behind the attackers. The front three will have Bukayo Saka and Martinelli on the wings, with Kai Havertz as the leading man up top.
Porto
Porto goes into this match with an aggregate advantage and has been in phenomenal form. In their last five matches, they have been undefeated, with their last match being a dominant display away from home, where they beat Portimonense 3-0.
Porto Team News
Porto has some long-term absentees like Mehdi Taremi, Ivan Marcano, and Zaidu Sanusi. While all three players are essential to Porto, they were not involved in the home-leg victory, and the team has done very well without them. Aside from these absentees, the Porto team will remain essentially unchanged from the team that beat Arsenal at home.
Probable Lineup
Porto will likely use a 4-2-3-1 formation with Costa in goal. The backline will feature Mario and Wendell as wingbacks and Pepe and Otavio as center-backs. Gonzalez and Varela will operate as the double pivot in midfield. Eduardo Pepe will occupy the attacking midfield role. The wide midfielders will be Galeno and Conceicao. The striker up top will be Evanilson.
Conclusion
Arsenal has the home advantage, but Porto is in front on aggregate. Both of these teams are in incredible form and largely evenly matched, so this will be a very interesting clash. However, Arsenal are the favorites to come out on top despite being a goal down. Arsenal Vs Porto promises to be an exciting match.