As the Europa League heats up in the 7th round, FC Porto welcomes Olympiacos to Estadio do Dragao. Both teams sit in the bottom half of the league standings, with Olympiacos in 15th position on 9 points, just one point ahead of FC Porto, who are in 18th. Recent form suggests contrasting fortunes, with Porto suffering three losses in their past five games, while Olympiacos remain unbeaten, winning four and drawing one.

José Tavares, recently appointed as Porto’s interim head coach, will be keen to make an impact following a series of managerial changes. Meanwhile, Olympiacos, buoyed by last season’s European Conference League triumph, are led by José Luis Mendilíbar.

French referee Clément Turpin will be in charge, likely ensuring a tight contest. Expect a close match, but with Olympiacos’ solid form and Porto’s recent disruptions, the recommended bet tips Olympiacos to win or draw, available at odds of 2.42. Weather conditions feature overcast clouds and a chilly 4°C temperature, adding to the challenge.

Stay tuned for an intense battle under the Porto skies!

FC Porto vs Olympiacos Prediction & Betting Tip

• Consistent Form: Olympiacos are unbeaten in their last five games, winning four and drawing one, showcasing their solid recent form.
• Porto’s Struggles: FC Porto have lost three of their last five matches, indicating current instability, which may be a vulnerability Olympiacos can exploit.
• Defensive Solidity: Olympiacos have conceded only 0.5 goals on average in 6 matches this season, making them tough to crack defensively.

Given the circumstances, Olympiacos to win or draw presents a promising betting tip with favorable odds of 2.42.

FC Porto vs Olympiacos Odds

FC Porto enters this match as the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 1.58, reflecting their reputation at home. However, Olympiacos’ solid form and defensive prowess offer an appealing 5.58 for an away win.

A draw, which also seems plausible given the teams’ recent performances, stands at 4.00. Considering Porto’s recent managerial changes and Olympiacos’ unbeaten run, betting on Olympiacos to win or draw could provide value at odds of 2.42.

FC Porto Team Analysis

Here’s a quick look at FC Porto’s last five matches:

FC Porto has shown mixed form recently, with three consecutive losses followed by two wins. They average 1.60 goals scored per game in their last five matches and have kept two clean sheets. Despite their recent struggles, Porto’s offensive capabilities remain evident. Their defense, however, concedes an average of 1.7 goals per match in this season’s Europa League. The recent appointment of José Ferreirinha Tavares as the interim head coach adds another layer of intrigue to their upcoming performance.

FC Porto Key Players

FC Porto’s lineup includes several key players who will greatly influence the match against Olympiacos. Leading the attack is Samuel Aghehowa, the team’s top scorer with 5 goals in this tournament. His goal-scoring ability will be crucial in breaking down Olympiacos’ sturdy defense. Alan Varela, operating in the midfield, has also been pivotal for Porto. His consistent performances have attracted interest from top clubs like AC Milan. Varela’s defensive capabilities and ball distribution will be essential for controlling the game. Expected lineup for FC Porto:

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Martim Fernandes, Nehuén Pérez, Otavio, Wenderson Galeno
• Midfielders: Alan Varela, Stephen Eustáquio, André Franco, Rodrigo Mora, Pepê
• Forward: Samu Omorodion Keep an eye on the midfield battle between Varela and Olympiacos’ Christos Mouzakitis, which could determine the game’s flow.

FC Porto Suspensions & Injuries

FC Porto has several key players missing due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Olympiacos:

The absence of key players like Wendell and Marko Grujić will weaken Porto’s squad depth, especially in defence and midfield. José Tavares might have to call on less experienced players to fill these gaps, which could influence the team’s overall dynamics.

FC Porto Tactics and Formation

FC Porto Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Expected Line-Up:
• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Martim Fernandes, Nehuén Pérez, Otavio, Wenderson Galeno
• Midfielders: Alan Varela, Stephen Eustáquio, André Franco, Rodrigo Mora, Pepê
• Forward: Samu Omorodion José Tavares will likely stick to Porto’s favored 4-2-3-1 formation.
• Key Forward: Samu Omorodion, standing in for top scorer Samuel Aghehowa, will spearhead the attack.
• Midfield Duo: Alan Varela and Stephen Eustáquio provide both defensive cover and a launching pad for counter-attacks.
• Strength: Their pressing football, especially effective at home, along with a better midfield presence, complements their attack. Porto will aim to control possession and utilize wide players like Pepê to stress Olympiacos’ defense.

Olympiacos Team Analysis

Olympiacos have been in impressive form recently, showcasing defensive resilience and clinical finishing. Their recent record of 4 wins and 1 draw highlights a team in solid rhythm.

The Greek side averages 1.60 goals scored per game in their last five matches and have kept two clean sheets, showcasing a balanced approach of better defense and effective attack. Given their upward trajectory, Olympiacos will be eager to continue their good run against FC Porto.

Olympiacos Key Players

Expected lineup for Olympiacos:

• Goalkeeper: Konstantinos Tzolakis
• Defenders: Rodinei, Panagiotis Retsos, Lorenzo Pirola, Giulian Biancone
• Midfielders: Christos Mouzakitis, Marko Stamenic, Costinha, Charalampos Kostoulas, Gelson Martins
• Attacker: Ayoub El Kaabi Olympiacos will rely on their standout players to deliver results against FC Porto. Ayoub El Kaabi, the team’s top scorer with four goals, will be a key figure in their attack as he looks to exploit any defensive lapses from Porto. Gelson Martins and Costinha will provide creativity and width, making them crucial in stretching Porto’s backline. Defensively, Panagiotis Retsos and Lorenzo Pirola are expected to form a robust centre-back partnership, aiming to keep Porto’s top scorer Samuel Aghehowa at bay. The duel between El Kaabi and Porto’s defenders could be decisive in determining the match outcome.

Olympiacos Suspensions & Injuries

The absence of Yusuf Yazıcı for the season is a significant blow to Olympiacos. He is a versatile player who adds depth to their midfield options. His creativity and vision will be sorely missed in crucial matches like this one against FC Porto.

Additionally, Santiago Hezze’s suspension due to yellow card accumulation leaves a gap in their midfield for this match. Hezze has been instrumental in breaking up opposition play and providing defensive cover, which means José Luis Mendilíbar will have to find an effective replacement to maintain the team’s defensive solidity.

Olympiacos Tactics and Formation

Olympiacos Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Ayoub El Kaabi
• Midfield Dynamics: Christos Mouzakitis and Marko Stamenic as defensive midfielders. Charalampos Kostoulas in a more attacking role.
• Defensive Strength: Olympiacos have conceded an average of just 0.5 goals per game in this Europa League season.

Olympiacos utilize a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, which aids in both defense and attack. Ayoub El Kaabi spearheads the attack, supported by wingers Costinha and Gelson Martins.

The midfield duo of Mouzakitis and Stamenic are tasked with breaking up play and providing defensive cover. This stability affords Kostoulas the freedom to orchestrate attacks and find spaces in the final third.

With a solid defensive record and strategic play between the 46th and 60th minute, Olympiacos’ tactics are crafted to exploit FC Porto’s defensive lapses effectively.