The Game

Arsenal have to overcome the 2-1 defeat of a fortnight ago if they want to move through to the next stage of the Champions League. Captain Cesc Fabregas is out injured but the Gunners welcome Abou Diaby, Andrey Arshavin and Sol Campbell back in the squad.

Finally, if you want, please do join the discussion in our chat room which will also be active after the full time whistle.

Streaming Links

For those who don’t know where to watch the game, maybe we can help, follow this link for streaming options.

The Line-Ups

Arsenal

Almunia, Sagna, Campbell, Vermaelen, Clichy, Nasri, Song, Diaby, Rosicky, Bendtner, Arshavin

Subs: Fabianski, Eduardo, Walcott, Denilson, Silvestre, Eboue, Traore

Porto

Helton, Fucile, Rolando, Bruno Alves, Pereira, Ruben Micael, Coelho, Raul Meireles, Varela, Falcao

Subs: Nuno, Guarin, Belluschi, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Maicon, Miguel Lopes

Half-Time Thoughts and Analysis

There isn’t much to say about an almost-perfect first half of football from the Gunners. It had to be Nicklas Bendtner after Burnley and the Dane scored two and was a threat for the whole 45 minutes. Together with Andrey Arshavin and Alex Song – who was however guilty of some mistakes in the final part of the half – the 22-year old was one of the best players of this first half.

Of course it’s not over yet, but I don’t see Porto coming back though I will wait for the final whistle before celebrating this one.

At half time, it’s Arsenal two, Porto nil.