There are two types of people in the world. Those who have played Champions League football, and those who have not. Ray Parlour falls into the category of those who have.
With 32 Champions League appearances, two goals (and a red card), Ray is part of a very exclusive club.
Arsenal prepare to take on the Portuguese side, Porto. The two teams haven’t met each other since 2009, when the Gunners ran away 6-2 winners on aggregate.
After another convincing win in the league, Arsenal will be feeling positive as they head to Estádio do Dragão; could this be another decisive win for Arsenal?
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Champions League RO16: Porto vs Arsenal
Wednesday 21st February, 8pm
Estádio do Dragão, Porto
Live on TNT Sports
Arsenal’s Good Form
It’s fair to say Arsenal have had a wobble this season. With a home loss to West Ham, a side struggling for goals, and of course, Mikel Arteta’s VAR meltdown; the season hasn’t been breezy.
It’s incredible just how much a short break in Dubai can do. Since Arteta’s squad have returned from their mid-season break, they have been stunning.
This weekend’s 5-0 drubbing of Burnley was their fifth win on the bounce.
Their goalscoring drought seems to be a thing of the past, with them bagging 11 in just two games.
This puts them in a perfect space as they arrive in Portugal to take on last year’s Primeira Liga runners-up. Here are Ray’s thoughts on the match-up:
“I see Arsenal going to Porto and getting at least a draw. I would say 1-1 could be the score in Porto with Arsenal dominating the ball and coming away with a positive result.
It’s never easy, but with Saliba, Gabriel and Rice in front of them, Arsenal can stop the home side from playing, and with quality up front, will score.
Then at the Emirates, they can make the home advantage count and win 2-0. Saka is likely to be a key player in the home leg I feel.”
Having put in such a great set of performances, you can be sure Arteta’s side will arrive in Portugal full of confidence.
Porto, on the other hand, have been an inconsistent side this season. While they did manage to win last weekend, their erratic form will leave them slightly anxious ahead of a huge clash.
Could This Be the Year?
The closest Arsenal have ever come to lifting this trophy was back in 2006.
A heart-breaking final defeat to Barcelona saw them come so close, but just miss out on the ultimate prize.
However, Ray thinks they are in a great position to push on this season after multiple years out of the competition.
“Arsenal are certainly challengers for the Champions League this year as I see them beating Porto.
Then it’s the luck of the draw as Arsenal have shown at home in the Champions League, they are a force to be reckoned with. A fully fit Arsenal squad has a massive chance.
I missed out on winning the Champions League with Arsenal and it is the holy grail for the club.
If Arsenal keep improving and investing in the right talent for the squad, they can go one step further and win the Champions League.”
It’s time for Arsenal to push hard. With a great squad of players and a clear style and direction, this side could certainly go deep into the competition.
While Porto will be a testing assignment, the tougher ties will come deeper in the competition against some of Europe’s elite teams.
Could they finally go all the way this season?
Champions League Betting Tips
Arsenal to win the Champions League @ 6.50
The Gunners find themselves third favourites behind Manchester City and Real Madrid. They stand a pretty good chance of winning if they can negotiate the next two rounds.
As one of the best sides in Europe, with a bit of luck, they could certainly go deep into the competition.
Porto vs Arsenal: Bukayo Saka to score anytime, Arsenal to win & over 1.5 goals @ 4.10
Saka had a rough few months and the first real dip of form in his career before the Christmas break. It’s no surprise that Arsenal subsequently suffered.
However, the England star seems to be finding form again and his output is back, creating goals and chances at will.
*Odds subject to change.
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