Following some impressive performances in the past couple of weeks as Arsenal eye the Premier League title, Mikel Arteta’s men will now shift their focus to the Champions League as the Gunners travel to Portugal to face Porto in leg 1 of last 16 clash on Wednesday.
Arsenal are in fine form in front of goal, netting 21 goals in the last five games.
Porto is a tricky fixture, trickier than what many would suggest. They are technically and tactically fine-tuned under the tutelage of Sérgio Conceição.
Arsenal are the punter favourites for the tie but Mikel Arteta would know to take these games seriously after having been on the losing side against Monaco in 2014.
It is important for Arsenal to maintain focus as they take on Porto tonight at Estádio do Dragão.
Here’s how Arsenal should lineup against Porto:
David Raya has proven himself to be an influential presence in front of goal and should continue to take his place between the post against Porto.
Four ahead of Raya looks to be consistent with respect to the one that started on the weekend against Burnley. Ben White’s injury niggles will be tested as he is set to play thrice in a week for the first time since December. He had been carrying a niggle although it looks like he has recovered following Arsenal’s trip to Dubai.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is an alternative if Mikel Arteta is to rest Ben White. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes should continue at the heart of defence. Jakub Kiwior should start at left-back, he has looked in fine touch ever since he came on against Liverpool.
In the midfield, Declan Rice should be paired up with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz. The three have looked in top chemistry between themselves and the rest of the team when they started together in the midfield. Arteta can also bring in Jorginho for Kai Havertz and shifting the German international upfront.
Bukayo Saka has yet again proven why he is world-class and will continue from the right flank. Gabriel Martinelli who has always been associated with a high possibility of making an impact in the Champions League by the Arsenal fans will have another opportunity today. Lastly, Leandro Trossard has had a big impact since he caught himself back to the side with Gabriel Jesus injured. He should have another opportunity to start in the false nine position for Arsenal tonight.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Porto:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Martinelli, Trossard.
