Prediction: Porto vs Manchester United

Verdict: Porto double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperately seeking a crucial boost on Thursday night, Manchester United will travel over to Portugal when they meet Porto.

Porto

Starting with the hosts, while Porto might have been left frustrated last week as they opened their Europa League adventure with an action-packed 3-2 defeat away at Norwegian outfit Bodo-Glimt, the Dragons claimed an immediate response last weekend. Eventually storming their way to a routine 4-0 romp against Arouca, Vitor Bruno’s men have continued on a domestic romp since opening up the new campaign. Making a statement on September 21st as they secured a 3-0 victory away at Guimaraes, Porto have won six of their first seven Primeira Liga appearances. Smelling the chance to pick up a heavyweight European scalp on Thursday night, the Portuguese icons will be excited by a rampant record on home soil. In fact, continuing on from their pre-season preparations, Bruno’s men have won all of their previous 11 consecutive showdowns at the Estadio do Dragao.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, the duo of Zaidu and one-time Roma defender Ivan Marcano on Thursday night. However, making a cameo appearance over the weekend after returning from a muscle issue, Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira will be hoping to make a first start of the season.

Only continuing to make an immediate impact after completing a sensational Deadline Day move from Atletico Madrid and now notching five goals in his previous four appearances, Samu Omorodion will spearhead Bruno’s charge. Eventually staying despite heavyweight interest over the summer, Diogo Costa will start between the sticks.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have claimed a minor boost when returning from September’s international break, the Red Devils find themselves at the heart of another crisis. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last weekend as they slumped to an infamous 3-0 drumming at home against Tottenham, the pressure on Erik ten Hag’s shoulders is once again at a boiling point. Getting their Europa League adventure underway with a downbeat 1-1 stalemate against Dutch outfit Twente last week, the former Ajax boss has seen his squad win just one of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Heading into September’s fortnight interval with another 3-0 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool, ten Hag’s side have continued to show a string of issues at both ends of the pitch.

Team News

While Bruno Fernandes might have been shown a first-half red card against Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, the former Sporting Lisbon star is free to feature on his return to Portugal. However, missing out against Spurs last weekend, England international Harry Kane is not expected to feature in ten Hag’s squad here.

Likewise, in what could prove to be a huge blow for United on Thursday night, Kobbie Mainoo is a doubt after picking up a knock at Old Trafford a few days ago. Although Rasmus Holland might have made a cameo appearance off the bench last weekend, the Norwegian marksmen will remain among ten Hag’s substitutes.

Key Factors to Consider

• Thursday’s showdown between Porto and Manchester United will be their first meeting since back in April 2009.
• Including a 3-0 drumming against Tottenham last weekend, the Reds have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• Continuing on from their pre-season preparations, Porto have won all of their previous 11 appearances on home soil.
• Manchester United have scored just one goal in any of their previous three appearances.
• Former Atletico Madrid star Samu Omorodion has recorded five goals in his previous four appearances across all formats.

Conclusion

While Porto might have opened their Europa League adventure last week with an action-packed 3-2 loss away at Bodo-Glimt, Porto should be smelling the chance to collect a heavyweight scalp here. With the Dragons continuing to gain a real reputation for their success on home soil, Manchester United will face another stern challenge on Thursday night. Slumping to an infamous 3-0 drumming at home against Tottenham last weekend, the pressure on ten Hag’s shoulders is now at a boiling point.

Verdict: Porto double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster