Anderlecht will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the UEFA Europa League as they welcome Porto to Lotto Park on Thursday. Porto have been out of sorts in their last few matches and should struggle against the hosts, who are looking good at the moment.
Anderlecht are enjoying a fine campaign in the Europa League as they are unbeaten after four matches. Having begun with three straight wins, they dropped their first points last time out, playing out a 1-1 draw with Rigas FS.
Things have been generally smooth for Anderlecht, who have won four of their last five matches, while also claiming five straight victories at home. However, David Hubert’s men have conceded in three of their four Europa League matches this season.
In contrast to Anderlecht’s fine showings, Porto have found things difficult in the Europa League. Vitor Bruno’s team have earned just one win in four matches and were beaten 2-1 at Lazio in their previous fixture.
Porto have been well below their best lately and incidentally, their last three matches have been away from home. They have lost all three fixtures and travel to Lotto Park off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Moreirense at the weekend.
How the bookies view it: Upper hand for Porto
Despite their recent struggles, Porto still have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 5/4 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Anderlecht is valued at 2/1 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 13/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Anderlecht on top
Anderlecht and Porto met during the early stages of the 2000-01 Champions League. The Belgians were unbeaten across both matches, winning 1-0 at home before a 0-0 draw in Portugal.
Players to watch: Dolberg looking sharp
Kasper Dolberg has been prolific in the last few games, scoring 11 goals in the last eight matches. The striker will be the one to watch on Thursday and is priced at 9/4 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Porto also have quality going forward and will look to Samu Omorodion to provide the spark in attack. The striker has four goals in the Europa League and is priced at 19/10 by Betfred to find the net on Thursday.
Probable line-ups
Anderlecht are without Thorgan Hazard, Jan Vertonghen and Marco Kana, who are all sidelined with injury. Dolberg is expected to lead the line once again while Jan Simic should continue in defence.
Omorodion was a second half substitute for Porto at the weekend and should return to lead the line on Thursday. Pepe is also expected to start in attack while Alan Varela should retain his place in midfield.
Anderlecht: Coosemans, N'Diaye, Jorgensen, Simon, Sardella, Rits, Leoni, Edozie, Stroeykens, Dreyer, Dolberg
Porto: Diogo Costa, Fernande, Perez, Djalo, Moura, Varela, Vieira, Pepe, Gonzalez, Galeno, Omorodion
Anything else catch the eye?
Anderlecht have opened the scoring in three of their four Europa League matches and could be set for a repeat at 11/10 with Betfred. The Belgians have seen over 3.5 goals in four of their last five matches and a similar outcome is valued at 13/8 with Betfred.
The Belgian side have also scored in both halves in four of their last five matches and Thursday’s clash could be set for a similar pattern at 13/5 with Betfred.
This UEFA Europa League match between Anderlecht and Porto will be played on Nov 28, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Anderlecht vs Porto prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
