Arsenal v/s Porto: Match Preview

iSporter Chirag Mansukhani previews the much-awaited Arsenal Vs. Porto Champions League match.

arsenal_vs_fc_porto

Arsenal takes on FC Porto at the Emirates in the second leg of this last 16 clash in the Champions League. Porto will be coming to the Emirates brimming with confidence as they take with them a 2-1 lead from the previous leg.
Arsenal on the other hand, will be looking to turn things around from the abysmal time they had when they faced Porto in their 1st leg match three weeks ago. Arsenal was anything but impressive that night and their defense seemed to have stayed back in England and not take the trouble of traveling to Porto for the match.

This however, it must be said will be a completely different ball game. Back at the Emirates, Arsenal will be full of confidence with their fans backing them up. It must be said that this young Arsenal side has had many ups and downs this season but they have certainly shown some promise. They play some of the most scintillating football and their passes leave everyone dumbfounded.

Arsenal’s negative points and shortcomings are when it comes to converting chances. They fail to put the finishing touches on some astounding plays. Nicholas Bendtner seems to still need time to mature and last weekend at Burnley he missed chances even my three year old nephew would convert. Making matters worse for Arsenal will be the probable absence of their skipper Fabregas, whose hamstring injury has cropped up again.

adebayor

Yet again, it is necessary to emphasize that Arsenal are tough to beat at home. Add that to the fact that Porto boast of an absolutely appalling record against most English clubs when they come to England may just give Arsenal the edge.

No doubt, Porto will have the advantage coming into this match as they lead the tie, but my money would be on an Arsenal comeback as they look to go all the way this year. Yes, my dear Nicholas would have to do some work to feature in the match and gain the confidence of the fans and coach alike, but the rest of the squad seems to be doing just fine.

With Walcott silencing a few of his critics with a goal against Burnley and Arshavin in fine form it would be difficult to say that Arsenal aren’t going to come through this. Then again, it has to be seen which Arsenal shows up against Porto. As shown in the past they tend to play either some dazzling football or show how vulnerable and naïve they can be at times. The likes of Hulk, Bruno Alves and Maicon may have a lot to say about an Arsenal victory though and one can be rest assured of a nail biting match.

I predict a 2-0 Arsenal victory. Maybe a brave prediction, but I believe that this young side certainly does have what it takes to go all the way. Go Gunners!!!

Set as favorite

Comments (6) add comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Jigar Mehta said:

	... bentdnerrrrrrrrr scoresssssssssssss
	report abuse vote down vote up

March 10, 2010
Votes: +0

Jigar Mehta said:

	... BENTDNERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR AGAINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
	report abuse vote down vote up

March 10, 2010
Votes: +0

Jigar Mehta said:

	... SUPER SOLO BY NASRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ABSOLUTE CLASSS SUPER PLAY ARSHAVIN EBOUE
	report abuse vote down vote up

March 10, 2010
Votes: +0

Jigar Mehta said:

	... Classic ''Arsenal'' performance gr8 display of mental strength gr8 achievement for Bendtnerrrrrrrrrrrr a hattrick in champs league alex song man of the match, vermulen absolute rock solid best defender in the match Arshavin 2 setups absolute class but the moment of the day Nasriiiii's solo goalllllllllllllllllllll...
	report abuse vote down vote up

March 10, 2010
Votes: +0

Asif Khan said:

	... Jigar u commented one less then the number of goals too exhausted celebrating I guess? Fantastic performance, what a great night it was!!
	report abuse vote down vote up