FC PORTO v ARSENAL
Champions League Second Round First Leg
Wednesday, February 17th (Live on ITV)
Estadio do Dragao. Kick off 19.45.
By Joe Finegan
Arsenal Premier League title ambitions were rekindled by winning last week when Chelsea and Manchester United both dropped points, but they still have some work to do. The Champions League gives them an opportunity to take their mind off the domestic championship but in Porto, they are facing quality opposition.
Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger has stated this week that a clean sheet is a priority for their trip to Portugal but while it is important that they play well defensively, they must go forward well. It appears that Wenger would be happy to plunder a 1-0 lead going into the second leg of this tie at The Emirates in three weeks.
It’s no secret that Arsenal are finding goals slightly difficult to come by recently compared to their early season goal fest. However they have only failed to score twice in recent weeks; against Aston Villa and Chelsea. This perhaps is not too bad considering their last four games were against top opposition (and Liverpool). The previous time they failed to score was away to Olympiakos in early December.
Porto defender Bruno Alves has stated in the English newspapers that the key to stopping Arsenal is to stop Cesc Fabregas. That will suit the Gunners just fine because with players like Arshavin and Nasri and Rosicky floating around, Arsenal will always cause defenders problems.
At the other end of the pitch, Porto striker Rademel Falcao has been a revelation since his move from River Plate last summer. Last season in Argentina was the 24-year-old’s most productive yet, scoring 13 goals in 32 games. This season, he already has 17 goals in just 24 games. He could be the main obstacle to Wenger’s side keeping the clean sheet that would aid their Champions League progression.
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal’s injury list has shortened in recent weeks. Long-term absentees remain Gibbs, Van Persie and Djourou. Others with niggling problems are Song and Arshavin but both should be available for selection.
VERDICT
Porto are unbeaten at home this season and have conceded eight goals in 10 games at the Dragao. They are averaging 2.3 goals scored in their home camp compared with Arsenal’s record of 1.9 per away league game. However, Arsenal are always liable to concede away from home (16 conceded in 13 games) so the stats are pointing to a low-scoring game.
RECOMMENDED
CORRECT SCORE 1-1 7.0 (BETFAIR)
OVER/UNDER 2.5 GOALS Under 2.5 goals 1.69 (BETFAIR)
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