It’s another big night of Champions League action on Foot Mercato! FC Porto host Arsenal at the Estádio do Dragão on Wednesday in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
This is a highly anticipated clash between two teams in form. Both are well-placed in their respective leagues and have performed well in Europe this season.
FC Porto finished second in their group behind Barcelona, thanks to their strong defensive record and well-oiled team. Arsenal topped their group, and they come into this game in confident mood after a strong start to 2024 in the Premier League. The Gunners will be keen to get a good result in Portugal ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium.
FC Porto coach Sergio Conceição has kept faith with his regular starters. Evanilson will lead the line, supported by Francisco Conceição, Pepê and Galeno. Alan Varela and Nico González are in midfield, while the experienced Pepe captains the defense.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has also named a strong team. He has opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka in attack. Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard form the midfield, while Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior make up the defense.
Team lineups:
FC Porto: Costa – Joao Mario, Pepe, Otavio, Wendell – Varela, Nico – Conceicao, Pepê, Galeno – Evanilson.
Arsenal: Raya – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior – Rice, Odegaard, Havertz – Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
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