Kelvin Bowoto
Arsenal will face FC Porto in the second leg of their round of 16 contest at the Emirates Stadium, aiming to advance to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since 2010.
Three weeks ago, Arsenal put up a cautious and lackluster effort in Porto, losing 1-0 thanks to Galeno’s spectacular late goal. As a result, Mikel Arteta’s team must work hard if they are to advance to the competition’s quarterfinals for the first time since 2010.
Arsenal has stayed dominant domestically since their defeat in Portugal, and they enter Tuesday’s encounter having finished top of the Premier League table the previous weekend.
Porto, meanwhile, is still in contention for the Primeira Liga crown after defeating Benfica 5-0 two weeks ago. Sergio Conceicao’s side is unbeaten in six games and eager to complete the upset in North London after defeating the Gunners in the first leg.
Arsenal squad news.
Gabriel Martinelli missed Saturday’s win due to a foot injury, and while the winger was seen on crutches after the game, Arteta emphasized that the problem was minor. The Brazilian will be eager to play on Tuesday night.
David Raya will replace Aaron Ramsdale, although Arteta may go with the same starting eleven as in the weekend’s win against Brentford.
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Jurrien Timber is currently training, but his return to action is still some weeks away.
FC Porto team news.
Conceicao is unlikely to make many changes to the team that defeated Arsenal in the first leg.
The visitors are missing Mehdi Taremi, who did not play three weeks ago owing to a knee injury, as well as long-term absentees Ivan Marcano and Zaidu Sanusi.
Brentford did an excellent job of annoying the Gunners on Saturday, and there’s no question that Porto, who mastered a variety of dark arts in the first leg, will do everything they can to get under the hosts’ skin on Tuesday night.
Porto’s defensive tenacity and menace in transition cannot be underestimated, but Arsenal is the superior team, and it will only take a second or two for the tie to swing their way.
It’s going to be tense and edgy, but Arteta’s men will find a way to break Porto’s resolve and advance to the quarterfinals.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
