Arsenal take on Porto in the Champions League

Arsenal on paper at least face a very tough Champions Legaue first leg away at FC Porto. Porto have got a brillaint record at home but their last two defeats come at the hands of two English clubs, with Chelsea and Man Utd both taking away 1-0 wins. Whilst the Portuguese league is of decent standard it doesn't compare to the class of teams the Premiership has to offer in my opinion. I managed to catch the second half of Porto's 0-0 at Leixoes in which they were guilty of some poor finishing. You can however expect Porto to be fired up for this Champions Legaue tie against Premiership opposition.

Arsenal played well in the group stages on the Champions Legaue without ever really hitting top gear. They got their Premiership title challenge back on track with a crucial 1-0 win over Liverpool in their last game. This should give them extra confidence going into this tie. It is true however that Arsenal look set to be without a number of players Arshavin, Eduardo, Gallas, Almunia, Song and long-term absentee Van Persie. Despite all these missing players I still think Arsenal have enough skill and quality to overcome Porto in this match. Think Arsenal's style of football should work well against Porto who themselves play in a similiar attacking vein. Any team that contains Cesc Fabregas is always worth chancing. I'm therefore opting for Arsenal on the level handicap.

FC Porto v Arsenal Tip:

Arsenal (0) @ 2.13 (Bet365)

Elsewhere back in the Premiership, Bolton travel to Wigan for a Lancashire derby which will be keenly contested as both teams need points in their respective fights against relegation. I've been impressed by Bolton's recent performance under Owen Coyle, they showed just how good they can be in the first half against Tottenham in their FA Cup tie at the weekend. Wigan are very much hit and miss team but they seem to have hit a poor patch of form lately and haven't won any of their last four home games (drawing 2, losing 2). As a result I like the look of Bolton on the Asian Handicap +0.25. The past three games between these teams as produced just the two goals in addition both teams have had low-scoring games recentley. Also think the tension and the importance of the game should ensure we see a tight game with few goals, I'll therefore happily take the under 2.5 goals option as well.

Wigan v Bolton tips:
Bolton (+0.25) @ 1.98 (Bet365)
Under 2.5 goals @ 1.81 (Betfair)