The return leg of the Champions League round of 16 features a difficult match for Arsene Wengers players. The first game was decided on two major defensive errors from Arsenal and with Porto controlling the ball well through out the match, it ended with a slight 2-1 advantage to FC Porto meaning that Arsenal will have to score if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Arsenal
Ruled out: Kieran Gibbs (broken foot), Johan Djourou (knee), Robin van Persie (ankle), William Gallas (calf), Aaron Ramsey (broken leg), Cesc Fàbregas (hamstring).

The list of injuries is long but especially one missing player is giving Arséne Wenger a headache; Cesc Fábregas. Their captain will miss the game coming of an injury in their latest league game on Saturday against Burnley. This will be a significant blow to the team as he has played magnificent through out the season. However the Arsenal squad still holds so much talent and with them getting a crucial away goal in the first leg, they have put themselves in position to progress. Their overall home record this season is 12-1-2 with 41 goals scored so there is no doubt that this is a team that is capable of finding the net. For this match they will have to rely on young Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner for the goals – he has been strong since his recent comeback from injury. However the weekends game also saw him miss some open opportunities and his efficiency in front of goal will have to improve as this game will not leave room for missed opportunities. In Arsenal’s defense, goal scorer from the first game, Sol Campbell will return after having groin problems.

FC Porto
Ruled out: Ernesto Farías (knee), Fernando (thigh)

Coming off the 1st leg game against Arsenal, FC Porto ran into a 3-0 away game defeat at Sporting CP, followed up by a 2-2 draw this weekend against relegation threatened Olhanense. So either they are focusing 100% on this return leg or they are finding themselves in poor condition. Before loosing to Sporting, they were however on a 14 game unbeaten streak in the league so I do not put two much into this weekends blunder. FC Porto’s overall away game record this season in the league is 4-2-4 but looking at the group stage of this years Champions league they recorded wins at Apoel FC and Atletico Madrid and only lost 1-0 to Chelsea FC. Their top goal scorer Falcao will head into this match with 24 goals in all competitions this season. Historically FC Porto has never won in London and actually lost to Arsenal 4-0 last season but this is a totally different game. I imagine that they will come out playing rather defensive, try to slow down the pace of the match and rely on counter attacking, where especially winger Hulk and top scorer Falcao should be kept in a “tight leash”.

Conclusion
Arsenal seldom leaves a game without scoring and with their offensive style and variety of players to choose from, I am sure that they will also find the net in this game. However it will not be a repeat of last season 4-0 win against FC Porto. I expect Arsenal to come out controlling the game from the first minute and bring some speed into the game. Look out for Theo Walcott who could prove vital in breaking through the rather stationary Porto defense. As I see it, Arsenal is simply too talented and too fast for FC Porto and recommend betting on Arsenal to win.