Porto host Juventus on Wednesday 22nd in the 1st leg of the Champions League round of 16. This is the first time since 2001 that these two sides will meet in the knock-out stage of the Champions League. Porto reaches this stage for the seventh time in their last 10 campaigns. Juventus are the only team to have won all of their group stage away games, scoring 8 times and conceding just once in the process.
In their domestic league, Porto currently sits 2nd in the standings after 22 rounds, 1 point behind leaders Benfica. Despite only 2 losses this season, Porto can’t afford to concentrate only on Champions League matches. They hold the record for the best defense in the Primeira Liga, with 11 goals conceded this term. They were very lucky at the draw for the Champions League group stage, managing to finish 2nd in a group including Leicester, Club Brugge, and Copenhagen. Whilst they are underdogs for this double-leg match, they will give their best efforts to achieve a positive result when playing home. Porto expects to have a fully-fit squad, with striker Andre Silva in good shape, with 3goals in their last 6 fixtures.
Juventus are in excellent form in the Italian Serie A, currently sitting in 1st place, seven points clear of AS Roma. After an outstanding performance in the group stage, where they remained unbeaten conceding only two goals in six games, they visit Porto in great shape and with only one thought: to qualify for the quarter-finals. Playing the 2nd leg on their turf, where they are formidable, also represents a big plus for Juventus. The only issue that manager Alegri faces for this match is being without the services of key defenders Barzagli and Chiellini (both injured). However, they can rely on their best attacking players, Higuain and Dybala, who are both having a fantastic season so far, scoring 26 goals together, half of all Juventus’ goals.
We expect a close encounter with Juventus controlling the match and trying not to lose the 1st leg. Considering that the Portuguese league is relatively weak, Porto will have to be at their very best play to have any chance of advancing to the quarter-finals. Juventus have been more convincing in the Champions League and will be competitive away from home. Given the shape of the attacking players from both squads, we should see an entertaining clash filled with goalscoring opportunities.
Top Pick: Both teams to score at 2.15 with Bet365
Special bets:
Juventus to score over 1.5 goals at 2.62 with PaddyPower
Gonzalo Higuain to score anytime at 2.4 with Betfair
Calculators
