Head-to-Head
Forest are unbeaten against FC Porto in this season’s UEFA Europa League (2-0 home win & 1-1 away draw).
Nottingham Forest
- The Red and Whites are 3-1 up on aggregate going into this second-leg and, although the tie is by no means over, have the momentum to suggest they can do what no other Premier League club has done this season - reach a European semi-final.
- Pereira’s team have been resilient in Europe, but they’ve had a mixed bag in the Premier League of late with three draws, one win and a crucial away win at Tottenham in their last five games, leaving them 16th in the standings as they try to avoid relegation.
FC Porto
- Vítor Pereira has made them solid and hard to break down, while their ability to counter-attack and exploit set pieces has given them a chance in games such as this, particularly at home.
- Porto play a very different type of soccer, where possession and control of the game is key.
- Midfielders Gabri Veiga, Seko Fofana and others dictate the tempo and serve up the ball to a dynamic attacking line.
- Francesco Farioli’s philosophy has clearly turned them into one of the most progressive, cohesive and dangerous possession sides on the continent, while they are ruthless in their pressing when out of possession.
- Porto are on the charge and have won three of their last five competitive matches, with two draws.
Key Players
Players to watch:
- He is the team’s top scorer and a key player in transition and set-piece situations.
- The Red and Whites will be looking to Igor Jesus to win aerial duels and score goals from set-pieces, while Taiwo Awoniyi’s physical presence up front will be a threat to Porto’s defence.
- Diogo Costa has been reliable for Porto in goal, while William Gomes, Borja Sainz and Terem Moffi have all scored goals and provided chances in recent matches.
- Morgan Gibbs-White
- Igor Jesus
- Taiwo Awoniyi
- Diogo Costa
- William Gomes
- Borja Sainz
- Terem Moffi
Betting Insights
- The oddsmakers feel this is an even contest with Forest available at 2.22.
- With Forest’s form patchy and Porto at the top of their game, the visitors can be supported for a narrow win here, but our main selection will be under 2.5 goals at 1.65.
- Forest have a strong record at home in this competition and have the tactical nous and grit to ensure they don’t get outplayed by Porto on Thursday.
Prediction
The hosts should be the slightest favorites on the night and Porto ’s extra quality and depth should give them the edge, but this is a 50-50 match with the weather mild and game set up for an open encounter at the City Ground .
