FC Porto are set to host AC Milan in the midweek Champions League action. Both sides are winless in their opening two fixtures in the group stage. Can Porto hold off AC Milan?
Porto are currently placed second in the Primeira Liga with six wins and two draws in their opening eight fixtures. Although they are still to lose a match in the league, they have been unable to replicate their league form in the Champions League. Porto started their group stage round with a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid away. They followed their draw with a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool at home. Sergio Conceicao’s side were criticized for their defending in the game. Both Salah and Firmino scored two goals each while Mane also got on the scoresheet. Taremi scored the only goal for Porto. The result from the previous group stage match leaves Porto third on the Group B table. They will be looking to pick up their form in the Champions League in the clash against AC Milan. Mbemba will be unavailable because of an injury while Uribe, Diaz and Corona should all make their return from their international duties. Oliveira could be in contention to make it to the starting eleven.
In their previous game in the Champions League, Porto were dominated in terms of the majority of the attacking metrics. Liverpool took more than thrice the number of shots as Porto and also had more shots on target. The xG chart is similarly dominated by Liverpool.
In a similar manner as their opponents, AC Milan have failed to replicate their domestic league form in the Champion League. They are placed second in Serie A with seven wins and one draw and remain undefeated. Although their Champions League form hasn’t inspired confidence. They are placed bottom of Group B and remain winless in their opening two group stage fixtures. They lost 3-2 to Liverpool in their first game followed by a 2-1 loss at home to Atletico Madrid in their next game. Franck Kessie was sent off in the game against Atletico Madrid. Despite leading the match till 83rd minute, ten men AC Milan succumbed due to two late goals. Kessie remains suspended for the clash against Porto while Bakayoko, Maignan, Florenzi and Rebic are sidelined as well.
In their previous match in the Champions League, Milan took seven shots with just two on target. The visitors produced a brilliant second-half come back to secure three points against Milan.
Predicted XI
Porto (4-4-2)-Marchesin; Corona, Pepe, Marcano, Sanusi; Otavio, Oliveira, Uribe, Diaz; Martinez, Taremi.
AC Milan (4-2-3-1)- Tatarusanu; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Ballo-Toure; Bennacer, Tonali; Saelemaekers, Krunic, Leao; Giroud.
AC Milan have many players sidelined because of injuries and suspension and Porto will be looking to take advantage. Porto just might do enough to come out on top in this one.
