CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING PICK - ARSENAL F.C V F.C PORTO

Champions League

2010-03-09 - Arsenal F.C vs F.C Porto

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Analysis:

Arsenal welcomes Portuguese side F.C Porto knowing that history is against them if they are to overturn a one goal deficit in order to progress to the next stage. The Gunners went down 2-1 at Estadio do Dragao in the first leg of their last-16 UEFA Champions League clash.

The match was not without its controversial moments as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was left fuming following Porto's controversial winner from a quick free-kick after goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski had handled Sol Campbell's backpass.

Arsenal is playing against history here as they have not overturned a first-leg deficit in European competition since their UEFA Cup tie against Hajduk Split in 1978, having gone out of the Champions League to Bayern Munich (2004/05), PSV Eindhoven (2006/07) and Manchester United last season after losing away.

However, Arsene Wenger is still optimistic that his side have the edge heading into the tie after Campbell's crucial away goal, which Wenger describes as a "massive advantage" as they head into this tie.

For the record, F.C Porto have lost all six of their trips to London - including a 1-0 reverse at Chelsea in this season's group stage - and went down 4-0 to the Gunners during September 2008. However, coach Jesualdo Ferreira believes today's encounter will be different. He went on record to state that they have the weapons to do it against Arsenal.

As with the team news, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is out of the clash after he suffered a recurrence of a hamstring problem during the 3-1 Premier League victory over Burnley on Saturday. France international Samir Nasri is likely to be moved into the centre alongside Cameroon international Alex Song. Campbell could come back into the reckoning after recovering with a groin injury.

Key playmaker Andrey Arshavin returned as a substitute and scored in the Burnley game and should start once again. Denilson could also feature after being back against the Clarets.

However the likes of Robin van Persie, William Gallas, Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou remain absent from the side.

As for Porto, Nuno, Jorge Fucile, Rolando, Raul Meireles and Brazil international Hulk are back in the squad to face the Gunners. They have a potent attack with the likes of Falcao, Marian Gonzalez, Cristian Rodriguez and Hulk all vyvving for a place in the three man attack.

Take Arsenal to win and give the 3/4 ball here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Arsenal to win this match.