“Ødegaard knows me too well at Real Madrid, He knows I don’t joke with champions league game”: Pepe, the captain of Porto, reveals the ONE thing he will do on Wednesday to silence the Arsenal trio (Saka, Martinelli, and Trossard).

The news that FC Porto would be their opponent in the round of 16 of the Champions League undoubtedly brought some relief to the Gunners.

On paper, at least, Arsenal is thought to be a better team than FC Porto. Even though FC Porto isn’t playing at its peak this season, Arsenal is dominating the Premier League. They are currently chasing Benfica and Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese league, who were leading them by seven points before this past weekend’s games. By the time you read this, the gap might have changed. But FC Porto isn’t playing at its best right now. Given their current performance and Arsenal’s incredible 2024 comeback, it is expected that Arteta and company will easily defeat the Portuguese team.

Gooners have faith in their skills. But, the 180 minutes that they will spend competing to advance to the UCL quarterfinals will decide the result of the game. But it’s important to remember that FC Porto will be playing in these two games. Actually, Arsenal should keep a watch on a few of their players.
Their Brazilian winger Pepe is definitely a player who can cause Arsenal problems. With two goals and six assists in the Primeira Liga and Champions League, the 26-year-old has had a great season. His ability to play a variety of positions helps Porto and gives their game an element of surprise. The fullbacks for Arsenal will have to deal with Pepe.

In the FC Porto midfield, Stephen Eustaquio is doing incredible things. Eustaquio is a foreign Canadian who possesses a fiery personality that could make the Gunners nervous in the middle of the park. He is thought of as a press-resistant playmaker who adds an offensive threat to Porto’s games in the Champions League this year.

Another player Arsenal should watch is Evanilson (above). The striker’s skills are well known at the Emirates, as he has already been linked to a move to Arsenal this season. His goal threat is evident. It’s amazing that in 26 games, he has 19 goals. In five Champions League games this season, he has four goals. Gabriel and Saliba had better stay vigilant because he moves quickly and could easily catch them off guard.

Apart from Eustaquio, Evanilson, and Pepe, another Brazilian winger that Arsenal should be watching is Wenderson Galeno. The left-sided winger has four goals and three assists in just five Champions League games.