FC Porto will be hosting defending Premier League Champions Leicester City in their last group fixture as they look to qualify for the knockout stages. It will undoubtedly be a tricky fixture given the Foxes’ current Champion League form. They are yet to lose a game in the tournament and FC Porto might lose out on qualification if they cannot guarantee a win.
Porto are two points ahead of FC Copenhagen in the second position and if they fail to win, then third-placed FCK would overtake them by defeating Club Brugge KV in the other final Group G fixture.
However, Porto’s recent records against Premier League clubs aren’t disappointing. Their last home meeting with Premier League opposition brought a 2-1 victory against Chelsea FC in last season’s group stage. They have lost just thrice in their overall home record against English clubs winning 7 and drawing 6.
Team News
FC Porto- The Portuguese outfit have lost just once in the Champions League this campaign. Since losing to Leicester City in the second group match, Porto are 12 games unbeaten.
Porto players Felipe and André Silva are a booking away from a ban and Santo will be quite wary of that. He wouldn’t want the duo to miss out in the knockout stages.
Leicester City- Although a loss here won’t affect their qualification spot, Ranieri wouldn’t want their perfect run to end. They have defeated the Portuguese giants in the reverse fixture in the second group match.
The Foxes are without the services of Kasper Schmeichel as he continues his recovery from a hand injury and the biggest boost for Ranieri would be the return of Nampalys Mendy, who is back in contention for selection. Robert Huth and Slimani are a booking away from a ban. Danny Drinkwater is serving a three-game domestic ban but will be back for this game.
But, Leicester have lost seven of their 14 Premier League fixtures this season, four more defeats than they suffered in their title-winning campaign last term. And this fixture looks more likely to end in Porto’s favour.
Predicted Lineups
FC Porto- Casillas; Layun, Marcano, Felipe, Pereira; Otavio, Pereira, Corona; Oliver; Silva, Jota
Leicester City- Zieler; Fuchs, Huth, Morgan, Simpson; Drinkwater, King, Albrighton, Mahrez; Slimani, Vardy
Key Players
FC Porto- Andre Silva will be the major concern for Leicester’s defence as the Portuguese forward has been in tremendous form this season scoring 7 goals and 2 assists in 12 appearances. His aide up front, Diego Jota, has also been in good touch with 4 goals and 3 assists.
Leicester City- For Leicester, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have been in a goal scoring touch. Although the duo was unstoppable last season, they have slowly withered away this time now. Jamie Vardy has been named on the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.
Odds
FC Porto @ 1.33
Draw@ 5.50
Leicester City@ 11.00
