Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight Europa League showdown on Thursday night, Porto will welcome Roma the Estadio do Dragao.
Porto
Starting with the hosts, while Porto might have snatched a late 1-1 stalemate at home against arch-rivals Sporting Lisbon last week, the Dragons have drastically struggled to find any kind of stability. Although Martin Anselmi might have only arrived at the Estadio do Dragao last month, the Argentinian tactician has a real job on his hands. Despite signing off their Europa League group stage adventure with a 1-0 victory against Macabi Tel Aviv on January 30th, that is remarkably the only win that Porto have collected from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Crashing back down to earth since returning from Portugal’s festive break, Thursday’s hosts will know the importance of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage here. However, facing what should be a stern examination in midweek, Porto have failed to record a maiden victory at the Estadio do Dragao since opening the New Year.
Porto Team News
Not featuring since the middle of October, Porto will once again be without former Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic on Thursday night. However, despite serving a domestic suspension against Sporting Lisbon last week, Brazilian youngster Otavio will return to Anselmi’s squad here.
While ex-Atletico Madrid striker Samu Aghehowa might have failed to find the net in any of his previous three appearances across all competitions, the 20-year-old will play a leading role in the final third. Drastically struggling to make any kind of impact after returning on a season-long loan switch from Arsenal last summer, Fabio Vieira will likely settle for a spot on the bench.
Roma
As for the visitors, while Roma might have suffered Coppa Italia adventure come to an end last week as they slumped to a 3-1 loss at the hands of AC Milan, the Wolves claimed an immediate response. Landing a 1-0 victory away at Venezia last weekend, Claudio Ranieri’s men have lost just a pair of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to December 12th. Clearly enjoying a new lease of life since the former Leicester boss returned to Rome back in November, Thursday’s guests have skyrocketed their way up the Serie A standings. Signing off their Europa League group stage adventure with an eye-catching 2-0 win against German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt, Roma could be smelling the chance to make a European statement when they travel to the Estadio do Dragao in midweek.
Roma Team News
Handed a full rest against Venezia last weekend, former Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels should make a full return on Thursday night. Likewise, despite serving a domestic suspension on Sunday lunchtime, French starlet Manu Kone will return to Ranieri’s squad here.
Recording four goals across all competitions since returning from Italy’s festive break, Ukrainian international Artem Dovbyk will leading the line in midweek. Despite failing to find the net in any of his last five outings, AC Milan loanee Alexis Saelemaekers will join Dovbyk in attack.
Porto vs Roma Key Factors to Consider
- When Porto and Roma last met for a competitive showdown back in 2019, Thursday’s hosts collected a dramatic 4-3 aggregate victory.
- Porto have remarkably collected just a single win from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
- Roma have lost just a pair of their previous 12 matchups across all formats.
- The Dragons have recorded just a sole clean sheet since returning from Italy’s festive break.
- Four of Roma’s last six showdowns away from the Stadio Olimpico have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Roma might have been frustrated last week as they fell to a 3-1 loss at the hands of AC Milan, Thursday’s guests have continued to shine since Ranieri’s return back in November. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions, we could be set for an enjoyable showdown from the Estadio do Dragao in midweek. With the Italian giants seeing four of their previous six away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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