Porto vs Chelsea: Blues backed to return to winning ways

Ace Football previews the Champions League game between FC Porto and Chelsea and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.

Chelsea will aim to return to winning ways after their humbling defeat to West Bromwich Albion. They travel to Seville for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Porto on Wednesday.

The ‘hosts’ overcame Juventus in thrilling fashion to book their place in the last eight, while Chelsea dumped Atletico Madrid out of the tournament in the last 16.

Porto might be seven points behind leaders Sporting Lisbon but their best performances have come in the Champions League. Against all odds, they stunned Cristiano Ronaldo and company to send the Bianconeri packing.

Porto have not reached the semi-final of this competition since they won it under Jose Mourinho in 2004. They face a tough task, having lost home advantage for their first leg.

Chelsea will come into this game as favorites but a win won’t come easy. Porto have shown they are no walkover and they’ll fancy their chances of knocking out another ‘favorite’ in the competition.

Porto Form and Stats

Porto got past Juventus in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. They won 2-1 at home and produced a big effort in Italy, going down 3-2 in extra time to advance on away goals.

The Dragons returned to the Primeira Liga with three straight wins. Sergio Conceicao’s side won 2-0 against Pacos de Ferreira thanks to two late goals. Porto then won 2-0 in Portimonense thanks to two own goals.

Porto’s last match was a 2-1 home win against Santa Clara. The game was headed for a draw before substitute Toni Martinez scored the winner in the 94th minute.

Porto have not lost eight out of their last 10 home matches (all competitions)
In seven out of their last nine games, the sum of goals at Porto’s home games was over 2.5 (all competitions).
FC Porto have scored in nine out of their last 10 home matches (all competitions).

Chelsea Form and Stats

Chelsea have been in great form since Thomas Tuchel took over in January. The London club went unbeaten in his first 14 matches in charge and kept plenty of clean sheets along the way.

The Blues got past Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. They won 1-0 in the first leg and 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea returned to the Premier League with a 2-0 home win against Sheffield United. They went ahead through an own goal before Hakim Ziyech wrapped it up in added time.

Chelsea’s last match was a shock 5-2 home defeat to West Brom. Christian Pulisic put them ahead in the 27th minute, but Thiago Silva was sent off two minutes later and they couldn’t hold on with 10 men.

Chelsea have won four of their last five matches against Porto (UEFA Champions League).
Chelsea have won to nil in three of their last four matches against Porto (UEFA Champions League).
Chelsea have won 2-0 in three of their last five matches (all competitions).
Chelsea have won six of their last seven matches (UEFA Champions League).
Chelsea have won to nil in three of their last four matches (UEFA Champions League).
Chelsea have kept 12 clean sheets in their last 15 matches (all competitions)

Team News

Porto: Centre back Ivan Marcano is injured. Midfielder Sergio Oliveira and striker Mehdi Taremi are suspended.

Chelsea: Chelsea center-back Thiago Silva could remain in the starting side with Antonio Rudiger sent home from training early on Sunday. Defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante and winger Christian Pulisic are injured.

Predicted Line-up

(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)

Head-to-Head

Chelsea have a 5-2 advantage against Porto with one draw in eight matches. The Blues have four of the last five encounters, the last matches coming in the 2015/16 UEFA Champions League group stage.