A huge night at the Emirates is in store as Arsenal aim to progress into the UEFA Champions League quarter finals for the first time since 2010 as they host FC Porto in the second leg of the round of 16 tie.
The Gunners produced a cautious and flat performance three weeks ago in Porto and contrived to lose 1-0 after Galeno scored superbly late on. Thus, there’s work for Mikel Arteta’s side to do if they’re to qualify for the quarter-finals of this competition for the first time since 2010.
Arsenal have remained imperious domestically since their defeat in Portugal and are heading into Tuesday’s game having ended the weekend at the top of the Premier League table.
Porto, meanwhile, are lingering in the Primeira Liga title race after thumping Benfica 5-0 two weeks ago. Sergio Conceicao’s side are unbeaten in six, and are looking to complete the upset in North London after taming the Gunners in the first leg.
Arsenal team news
Gabriel Martinelli missed Saturday’s win with a foot injury, and although the winger was spotted on crutches post-match, Arteta insisted that the issue wasn’t serious. The Brazilian will be pushing to play on Tuesday night.
David Raya will come back in for Aaron Ramsdale, but Arteta could otherwise retain the same starting lineup from the weekend’s win over Brentford.
Jurrien Timber continues to train but his return to action is still weeks away yet.
FC Porto team news
Conceicao is unlikely to make many changes from the side that downed Arsenal in the first leg.
The visitors are without Mehdi Taremi, who didn’t play three weeks ago, due to a knee injury, as well as long-term absentees Ivan Marcano and Zaidu Sanusi.
Brentford did a fine job of frustrating the Gunners for large swathes on Saturday, and there’s no doubt that Porto, who mastered an array of dark arts in the first leg, will try their utmost did get under the hosts’ skin on Tuesday night.
Porto’s defensive diligence and threat in transition can’t be overlooked, but Arsenal are the superior side and it’s only going to take a moment or two for the tie to swing in their favour.
It’s bound to be edgy and tense, but Arteta’s men will find a way of disrupting Porto’s resilience to qualify for the quarter-finals.
