Arsenal will be back on the continental scene, playing host to FC Porto in the last 16 Champions League return leg. A late goal out in Lisbon saw Porto take control of the tie but their 1-0 lead will be tested at The Emirates. Arsenal warmed up for the game with a tense 2-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday. Goals from Declan Rice and Kai Havertz led Arsenal to the league summit, covering well for Aaron Ramsdale's error. The Gunners, who are on eight straight wins now domestically, will want to carry this form to Europe. Arsenal have won the three matches that came after that defeat in Portugal, scoring 12 goals. This is just the response they needed after failing to get an attempt on target in Portugal. In their attacking form, the Gunners will undoubtedly give more going forward. Mikel Arteta’s side has won 11 of 13 home matches coming into this game and this should back them up against Porto. In their 18 home matches this season, Arsenal have lost just twice. They won all their Champions League games at home in the groups, keeping clean sheets.
FC Porto are equally coming into this game on a good run, winning three of four since beating Arsenal. Now they only need a draw at the least, to advance. The Portuguese giants are coming from a 3-0 win over Portimonense in their domestic league. That marked their second straight clean sheet, having beaten Benfica 5-0 earlier. Galeno, the man who scored late against Arsenal, was on target again against Portimonense. He now has five goals in the last five matches and will be a key man in this game. Porto carry into this game a six-match unbeaten run. They’ve however failed to win in half of their last 10 away matches, which should concern them heading to London. In their last away match in the Champions League, Porto lost, 2-1 to FC Barcelona. In four straight Champions League away matches, they failed to score. This will be their fourth visit to Arsenal in the Champions League; Porto lost all the previous three.
Arsenal have the chance to overturn the slim deficit against FC Porto, as they play at home. The Gunners have done well at home in their recent matches. With a number of their key players returning from injury, we expect the hosts to be stronger than in the first leg. FC Porto haven't had a stable away run and here they will be tested to the core. Our prediction for Arsenal v FC Porto is for Arsenal to win.