Champions League Round of 16: Arsenal – FC Porto

A very interesting clash this Tuesday with Premier League leaders Arsenal in a difficult situation in their last 16 tie with Portuguese giants FC Porto. The 1-0 away defeat means a tricky challenge up ahead for the Gunners that have been stellar away from home recently in the Premier League but at home had some more difficulties winning their games. 

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal are glad to see their injury list getting smaller and smaller up ahead of the crucial clash with FC Porto. Jurrien Timber is still recovering from his ACL injury and Tomiyasu and Martinelli are doubtful. The rest of the squad is fit and available for the match that needs to be won to keep the Champions League dream alive. 

FC Porto Team News

FC Porto have a few injuries to deal with, defenders Marcano and Zaidu are set to miss the game while also young goalkeeper Ribeiro cannot feature. Mehdi Taremi is doubtful ahead of the clash, the striker who has been on fire in recent seasons has not been at his best this season scoring only 3 goals in 16 appearances. FC Porto´s key players all seem fit ahead of this match, which will boost the confidence of the Portuguese side. 

Arsenal Form

Arsenal have become the 5th team to ever win their first 8 games of the calendar year in the Premier League. The Gunners have been in incredible form lately and this streak of wins has seen them propel into first place in the table. Arsenal’s only defeats in 2024 came at home against Liverpool in the FA cup where Liverpool’s counters proved too strong and the first leg defeat against FC Porto. In the last game Arsenal did have some difficulties with Brentford at home but they will hope to be at their best to repair the first leg damage. 

FC Porto Form

FC Porto had a blip against Gil Vicente right after the first game against Arsenal, only managing a draw away from home. However their last 2 results will surely boost their confidence. A massive 5-0 victory over major rivals Benfica means that FC Porto are back in the portuguese title race and an easy 0-3 victory against Portimonense on Friday means that the players had plenty of rest up ahead of the crucial tie. 

What do the stats say?

• Arsenal have won the last 2 editions of this fixture, in both those fixtures Arsenal also lost the reverse fixture in Porto
• Porto have won 2 out of 3 away games in the Champions League this season
• Arsenal have won their last 8 league games

Our verdict

An exciting match up in London tonight. Arsenal seem clear favourites ahead of this game as they are in splendid form in the league, but Porto countered the Gunners excellently in the first game. We think Arsenal will probably take a win from this one but the odds at 1.20 are definitely too low for a good value bet here.

Bet?: No