FC Porto vs Barcelona predictions ahead of Wednesday’s affair at the Estadio do Dragao in the Champions League group stage. Porto are a difficult client when playing on home soil and will be keen to frustrate the Spanish champions. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions ahead of the fixture.
Match Live Wednesday, 4th October at 8:00 pm In:
FC Porto vs Barcelona Predictions
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A European Clash of Titans
Key Stats
– Barcelona have scored an impressive average of 2.4 goals per game this season.
– Galeno has been directly involved in Porto’s last three significant goals.
Two teams in a fervent chase for Group H dominance, FC Porto and Barcelona, are set to square off this Wednesday at Estadio do Dragao, each with a recent Champions League victory under their belts.
Flashback to Recent Performances
Porto’s recent showdown with Shakhtar Donetsk at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion left the 46,000 spectators in awe. The thrilling first half witnessed four goals in just 30 minutes. Although Shakhtar initially neutralised Galeno’s early lead, Porto quickly countered, thanks to Galeno’s adeptness and Mehdi Taremi’s precise shot. Riding this momentum, the hosts are buoyed by an 11-game unbeaten run at home, a record they’ll be eager to extend. However, maintaining a clean sheet at Estadio do Dragao remains an ambition yet to be fulfilled.
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Meanwhile, Barcelona’s recent 5-0 demolition of Royal Antwerp demonstrated their lethal prowess. The Catalonians, despite playing away from their home turf at Camp Nou, have shown no signs of slowing down under Xavi’s guidance. Yet, their European away form is still patchy, with just two wins in seven attempts. Historically, however, the Blaugrana hold a positive record against Porto, winning their last four meetings.
Team News and Concerns
Porto’s head coach, Sergio Conceicao, faces dilemmas with several key players. The veteran Pepe’s involvement is in doubt, while a plethora of injuries clouds the selection for the midfield and defence. However, given Galeno’s recent exploits, notably his performance against Shakhtar, he’s expected to be the linchpin for Porto’s attack.
Barcelona aren’t without their share of woes. The dynamic Raphinha’s recent injury against Sevilla could see Lamine Yamal taking centre stage in the Champions League. With midfield maestros like Frenkie de Jong and Pedri also sidelined, opportunities beckon for others, like Oriol Romeu, to step up.
Predictions
1. Match Outcome: Barcelona to Win
Let’s delve into one of the most telling markets first – the match outcome. Weighing up both teams’ recent forms, current circumstances, and historical results, it seems like Barcelona have the edge over Porto.
Barcelona’s recent form has been nothing short of impeccable, winning seven of their last eight matches. Xavi’s side has shown great resilience and determination, especially considering their unfamiliar setting at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Their prowess was on display in their 5-0 decimation of Belgium’s Royal Antwerp, signalling their intentions in the Champions League.
On the flip side, Porto, despite their commendable start to the season, have faltered slightly in recent weeks. Their recent loss to Benfica, in which Angel Di Maria netted the lone goal, showcases vulnerabilities that teams of Barcelona’s calibre could exploit.
Historically, Barcelona have had the upper hand too, winning each of their last four meetings with Porto. Even though it’s been over 12 years since their last competitive encounter, the statistics do tip in favour of Barcelona. Given these considerations, predicting a Barcelona win seems the most justified.
2. Correct Score: Barcelona 3-1 Porto
Looking closely at how both teams have been performing offensively and defensively, a 3-1 win in favour of Barcelona could be on the cards.
Barcelona’s attacking form has been on point, as evidenced by their recent matches. They’ve averaged 2.4 goals per match in LaLiga this season, with a variety of players contributing to the scoresheet. With Porto’s defence yet to keep a clean sheet at home this season, Barca’s attacking threats, such as Lewandowski and Felix, could indeed find spaces to exploit.
Porto, on the other hand, have managed an average of 1.4 goals per match in the Liga Portugal this season. Given Barcelona’s defensive record, which has seen them concede an average of one goal per match, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Porto find the back of the net at least once.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Robert Lewandowski
The man in focus for the goalscorer prediction is Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona’s leading forward has continued his rich vein of form since joining the Catalan giants. A proven goalscorer, Lewandowski’s name frequently appears on the scoresheet, and this fixture offers him another grand stage.
Given his stature and history, Lewandowski’s ability to be in the right place at the right time is uncanny. With Porto having some defensive concerns, especially with Pepe’s fitness in doubt and the absence of Ivan Marcano, Lewandowski could capitalise on this.
4. Corner Prediction: Porto to Have More Corners, Total Corners 12
Corner stats can provide a fascinating insight into a game’s dynamics. Based on their performances, Porto seem to have an upper hand in winning corners, averaging eight corners per match in the Liga Portugal. This tendency to push wide and force defensive clearances can be attributed to their style of play, utilising width and flanks.
Barcelona, despite their possession-based style, have averaged 6.4 corners in LaLiga. Given Porto’s slightly higher frequency in winning corners, it’s plausible that Porto might edge out Barcelona in this department.
Combining both teams’ corner stats, a total of around 12 corners for the entire match seems a well-founded estimate.
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