Anderlecht vs FC Porto prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-11-27 17:45.
[p]If Anderlecht can transfer their domestic form into the UEFA Europa League (UEL), then they’d have to go down as a tournament favourite, as they’ve won their last three Belgian top-flight games by a 15-0 aggregate score! Although it hasn’t been quite as spectacular, their UEL campaign has started off on solid footing (W3, D1), and they find themselves in the top-eight heading into matchday five.[/p]
[p]Anderlecht are actually unbeaten in eight of their last nine major European games (W6, D2), so should welcome Porto brimming with confidence knowing that one more win will effectively secure knockout football. The Portuguese side are perhaps an ideal opponent then given Anderlecht have won all four home H2Hs between the pair without conceding. [/p]
[p]While the Belgian side have all-but secured a spot in at least the last 24, the picture is much different for Porto, who sit 22nd ahead of matchday five, knowing if they lose this clash they’ll more than likely drop out of the top-24. As if that wasn’t demoralising enough, they come into the clash on a three-match losing streak for the first time since 2008 after falling 2-1 to Moreirense in the Taça de Portugal on Sunday. [/p]
[p]Concerningly, all three of those defeats came on the road, and one win from their last 16 UEL away games (D4, L9) does little to inspire any hope of a turnaround in Brussels. Whatever happens here though, expect this game to be decided one way or another as all ten of Porto’s away games against Belgian opposition have seen one side emerge victorious on the day (W4, L6).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Mario Stroeykens has scored eight of his last 11 Anderlecht goals at home – the last four of those home goals arrived after half-time. Porto’s PepĂŞ was on target at the weekend, netting a first-half game opener – his last six club goals have alternated between second and first-half goals. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Six of Anderlecht’s last eight UEL games saw under 2.5 goals. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Chris Wilson[/i][/p]