The UEFA Champions League returns to our lives once again this week as we enter the second half of the group stage. At this point, all 32 clubs are well aware of what their objectives are as they prepare for the final three-game stretch. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what is bound to be an electric clash between Porto and Royal Antwerp.
Porto Form GuideIt’s been almost twenty years since FC Porto’s remarkable Champions League success under Jose Mourinho and, for many, they aren’t expected to repeat that triumph anytime soon - if ever. Alas, they do always seem to do fairly well when looking at the competition as a whole, which is why they’re always a dangerous prospect to take on in the group stage.
Porto were decisive from bell to bell in the reverse fixture in Belgium as they picked up a strong 4-1 win over Royal Antwerp.
CURRENT STANDING: 2nd in Group H with 6 points.
Antwerp Form GuideLast season, Royal Antwerp took what they believe to be their rightful place back at the top of the mountain. They are once again the champions of Belgium and when you take a look at their squad, it becomes clear why. They’ve taken their time in doing so but they’re ready to be back in the big time, and it’ll be interesting to see how they insert European football into that picture.
Porto were decisive from bell to bell in the reverse fixture in Belgium as they picked up a strong 4-1 win over Royal Antwerp.
CURRENT STANDING: 4th in Group H with 0 points.
Match PredictionThe hosts are going to come into this one with all the confidence in the world, as you’d expect, whereas Antwerp are the ones who really need to come out and prove a point. When push comes to shove, though, our expectation is that this will end in a comprehensive Porto win.
