The match between Porto and MU in the second round of the 2024/25 Europa League qualifying phase will take place at 02:00 on October 4. Recsport will analyze the squad information, projected lineups, betting odds, and score predictions.
Form Analysis: Porto vs MU
MU has had its worst start in the Premier League, earning only 7 points and losing 3 of its first 6 matches, including a heavy defeat against Tottenham, which Gary Neville described as “one of the worst performances” under Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag is under pressure as he has faced 10 losses by at least 3 goals. With over £600 million spent on new signings, 12 of the 16 players in the match against Tottenham were recruited by Ten Hag. If rumors are true, MU’s leadership has no immediate plans to change the coach, and Ten Hag is expected to continue in charge for upcoming matches. However, he may face trouble if the team’s form does not improve.
Before losing to Spurs, MU drew 1-1 at home against FC Twente in their Europa League opener but remains unbeaten in their last 12 matches against Portuguese clubs.
In contrast, Porto has started much better, winning 6 of their first 7 matches in Primeira Liga, with their only defeat coming against Sporting Lisbon. Head coach Vitor Bruno is pleased with his team’s performance and hopes they can translate their domestic form into European competition.
Latest Squad Information for Porto vs MU
Porto will be without Zaidu Sanusi and Ivan Marcano, while Otavio has missed the last three matches. However, they welcomed back Fabio Vieira, a player loaned from Arsenal.
MU will be missing Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw, while Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, and Tyrell Malacia are all uncertain to play. Joshua Zirkzee’s position as the center forward may be threatened by Rasmus Hojlund, while Amad Diallo and Antony will compete with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford for the two wing positions.
Projected Lineups
Porto (4-2-3-1): Costa; Mario, Pedro, Perez, Moura; Gonzalez, Varela; Pepe, Sousa, Galeno; Omorodion
MU (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Eriksen, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Betting Odds for Porto vs MU
- Porto to cover the Asian handicap: Porto has covered the Asian handicap in 3 of their last 4 home matches, while MU has only done so in 2 of their last 10 away games.
- Over goals for the match: 14 of Porto’s last 20 matches have had at least 3 goals. 10 of Porto’s last 11 official home matches have also followed this trend.
- Odd total goals: 3 of Porto’s last 4 matches have had an odd total of goals, while 6 of MU’s last 8 matches have had the same scenario.
Football Expert’s Prediction for Porto vs MU
Former player Michael Owen notes that MU’s situation is very unstable and they could struggle against well-organized opponents like Porto. MU has scored in 14 of their last 16 official away matches and may continue to sink into crisis, allowing Porto to secure their third victory against the Red Devils.