UCL Preview | FC Porto vs Arsenal & Napoli vs Barcelona

FC Porto had a remarkable run in the round-robin phase and finished level on 12 points with Barcelona at the top. The Portuguese oufit only missed out on top spot because of head to head record against Barca, despite scoring an incredible 15 goals in the group stages. Porto are four points off the pace in the Primeira Liga, with Sporting Lisbon and Benfica ahead in the title race. Porto are yet to lose at home in four games this year, as they have won three, drawn and lost one.

Arsenal have been in rampant mood off late, scoring 21 goals in five successive league wins. This incredible run of form has resulted in the Gunners slotting back into title contention as they are placed second on in the Premier League. They have conceded twice since the turn of the year, winning three away in the process. Mikel Arteta’s side topped Group B with a near perfect record of 14 points. The Gunners won all three of their home fixtures with a 12-0 aggregate, and never picked maximum points on the road.

The Gunners have won three of the past six Champions League meetings against FC Porto, scoring 11 unanswered goals in the process. Porto won the other two matches at a Estadio de Dragao. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz delivered the Champions League for Chelsea the last time he visited the stadium and will be hoping that Lady Luck follows him infront of a raucous crowd.

In a tie that promises to be mouth-watering tie, Napoli welcome Barcelona at the Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday evening. The hosts are in the midst of a domestic wobble that has resulted in their second their second of the campaign Water Mazzari being fired. The reigning Serie A champions are three points away from slipping into the bottom half of the table, as they sit 9th in the log standings. Napoli have won three of their previous 11 fixtures coming into the Champions League knockouts, a run stretching to December 16.

The side from Naples earned a commendable 10 points to finish second in a group featuring Real Madrid, SC Braga and Union Berlin. Napoli were only beaten by Madrid at home in the group stages, preserving four points from the other two encounters. The return of key attacker Victor Osimheni could be the boost the home side need ahead of facing a Barcelona in resurgent form. New coach Francesco Calzona is set to take over the reigns for this massive Champions League tie.

Barcelona have enjoyed a purple patch in form since head coach Xavi Hernandez announced his intention to leave at the end of the season. The Blaugrana have taken 10 points from a possible 12 in their previous four league games, thus reducing Real Madrid’s lead at the top to nine points. Barca have improved their away record off late, winning six of their eight fixtures on the road, including an entertaining 4-2 win over Real Betis in January.

Xavi will be encouraged by Barca’s recent record against Napoli, having recorded a 5-3 aggregate win against the Azzuri in the Europa League two years ago. They are also unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.

Barcelona are yet to keep a clean sheet in their previous 11 away fixtures whilst Napoli have won once at home since the turn of the year. Although look likely to fall prey to a resurgent Barca, the Azzuri will surely find the net at home.