Arsenal vs FC Porto, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 12/03/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Arsenal vs FC Porto	March 12, 2024, 3:00 PM ET
Arsenal odds	-417
FC Porto odds	+1100
Draw	+540
Over\Under	3 -103/-115

Arsenal vs FC Porto. Shape of the Teams

Despite facing relatively easy opposition, Arsenal’s campaign in Europe has been far from brilliant. With the Premier League title race occupying Arsenal’s minds, the cause of these results is obvious.

Until now, Arsenal has stayed afloat in the Champions League with only one loss against Lens in the group stage. However, facing a seasoned team like FC Porto, things become more difficult.

In their last encounter, Arsenal greatly limited the chances of FC Porto when it comes to creative gameplay. Yet the Portuguese side defied the odds and clinched a 1-0 victory.

However, the good news is that it is usually another story at the Emirates. It’s hard to tell how important Arteta thinks progressing in the Champions League is, as the club owners would appreciate additional Champions League bonuses that come with reaching the quarterfinals.

Bench Cam 🔜 pic.twitter.com/NgZRCWlLfA
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 11, 2024

Facing Porto’s expected mid-block strategy, which is passive yet formidable, presents a challenge. Breaking down such blocks is always tough, especially when you’re already 1-0 down.

The absence of Taremi due to injury could be seen as a silver lining for Arsenal. But it will force Arteta to look for creative solutions to dismantle Porto’s defence.

Arsenal vs FC Porto Match Info

Date and Kickoff Time: Tuesday, March 12, 3:00 PM ET
Stadium: Emirates
Location: London, England
Last match: FC Porto vs Arsenal: 1-0 (February 21, 2024, Champions League)

Arsenal vs FC Porto, Odds

Pick: Arsenal to win
Odds: – 417 (Tonybet)

The Champions League often takes unexpected turns. However, despite Porto’s experienced squad, little indicates there will be any surprise at the Emirates.

The odds don’t exactly favour the Portuguese – their eventual victory is set at +1100. From our experience, though not impossible, such surprises happen very rarely.

Additionally, a certain Kai Havertz has been making waves at Arsenal. Highly criticized for the move, Arsenal has found a way to introduce the German forward into their dynamics. Havertz often dominates the box thanks to his towering presence that goes beyond 6’0 – a giant against defenders.

This angle of Kai’s winner 🤩 pic.twitter.com/xdYYQWfMOJ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 10, 2024

Havertz’s physicality makes him the perfect tool for Arsenal to use against Porto. Against teams that ‘park the bus,’ it is important to bring every advantage. These encounters often result in a tactical deadlock, with minimal scoring opportunities as one side aims to minimize space and thwart attacking plays.

And yet, there is a sense of danger. A single lapse in concentration could lead to a simple but effective counterattack from Porto and turn the game on its head.

In this dance of attack and defence, Arsenal stands as the favourite, but the unpredictability of football remains a constant.

Arsenal vs FC Porto Betting Tip

Pick: Eddie Nketiah to score
Odds: +149 (Tonybet)

Selecting a player like Eddie Nketiah, who isn’t a staple in the starting lineup and is surrounded by transfer rumours, as a key figure against Porto might raise eyebrows. However, if there is one tool beyond Kai Havertz that could influence the game, it is none other than Nketiah.

It is normal for regulars to become complacent and display a drop in intensity against weaker opponents. This is one of the most dangerous pitfalls in this type of fixture, especially in Europe.

Bring your passion on Tuesday, Gooners ✊ pic.twitter.com/77fc8Kgmev
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 9, 2024

However – if there is one thing I have also learned – Nketiah tends to thrive in such contexts. Given he is not a starter, every minute on the pitch is an opportunity to demonstrate his value at the price of potentially sucking up the bench again. At his youthful age, nobody would ever want that.

Few know Nketiah’s true ceiling.

But in the past, he’s shown his worth as a valuable squad member, and against Porto – despite that I expect Havertz to start – he would be an asset Arteta should consider. His mobility and ball striking could be precisely what Mikel Arteta needs to unlock a stubborn defence.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.