The first match of the Round of 16 of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League between Porto (Portugal) and Arsenal (England) will take place on February 21st at Estádio do Dragão. The kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT. Porto vs Arsenal: odds comparison, predictions, statistics.
Porto pre-match analysis
The Portuguese side finished 2nd in their group, winning 4 out of the 6 games they played. Only Barcelona remained unbeaten in the games versus Porto. Just the opposite, the Spanish side won both games (1:0 and 2:1). This is why the match of the sixth round against Shakhtar Donetsk was decisive. Porto won (5:3) and advanced to the play-offs.
The situation has become pretty dull in the Portuguese league. Porto haven’t managed to win the last two games. First, the match versus Rio Ave ended in a goalless draw and then Porto were beaten by Arouca (2:3). Currently, Porto are 3rd, they’re 7 points behind the leading Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. This may be too much for the Portuguese championship.
Arsenal pre-match analysis
Arsenal topped their group, winning 4 games (1 draw, 1 defeat). They were surprisingly defeated by Lens in the second round (1:2). The game of the last round against PSV ended in a draw (1:1). However, the Gunners had already advanced to the play-offs by that moment. Arsenal played confidently, winning PSV in the first game (4:0) and Lens in the second match (6:0).
Just like their current opponent, the Gunners are 3rd in their domestic league. However, the situation is different. Arsenal are only 2 points behind the current leader, Liverpool. The side has won the last 4 Premier League games with the aggregate score of 16:2. Crystal Palace and West Ham have suffered the most heavy defeats, conceding 5 and 6 goals respectively.
Head-to-head
The sides have already played in the Champions League on 6 occasions. The first 4 games were played in the group stage. In 2006, Arsenal won the first game (2:0). The second match ended in a draw (0:0). In 2008, Arsenal won the first game again (4:0), with Porto winning the second match (2:0). Finally, the sides played in the play-offs in 2010. Porto won the first leg (2:1). However, in London Arsenal left no chance for the Portuguese side to advance (5:0).
Porto vs Arsenal prediction
Porto has faced a crisis. It’s unclear, however, how deep it is. Perhaps, this Champions League game can be a breath of fresh air. Porto will be supported by thousands of local fans. They have already proven that they usually can play the first game of the play-offs.
Arsenal is very good in the attacking actions. Porto will have to do something to score in a home game. Otherwise, the second leg will be a huge problem. This is why I believe that both sides will score in this match.
My prediction is Both teams to score at 1,90.
