Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 10/21
Bookmaker: Unibet
In-form Porto aim to extend their perfect start to the 2025/26 campaign when they welcome Red Star Belgrade to the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday evening in the Europa League league phase.
The Dragons have taken maximum points from their eight competitive fixtures so far, including a dramatic late win at Salzburg in their European opener, while their Serbian visitors began with a draw against Celtic.
Porto
The decision to hand the reins to Francesco Farioli in July already looks inspired, with Porto’s new coach enjoying a flawless start in charge.
Last term fell well short of expectations, capped by a premature Club World Cup exit, but under the Italian’s watch the Dragons have rediscovered their bite. Seven straight Primeira Liga wins leave them top of the pile domestically, their latest a 4-0 thrashing of Arouca even after playing most of the second half with 10 men.
Now they prepare for their first competitive clash with Red Star, eager to follow up their stoppage-time winner in Salzburg when William Gomes struck at the death.
The Dragao has not always been a fortress in the Europa League, with Porto failing to win either of their last two home ties in the competition, most recently against Roma last season. Still, 12 victories from 23 outings at the ground offers ample encouragement for a side currently in scintillating form.
Team News
Farioli faces a fitness concern over Samu Omorodion, who limped off against Arouca, with fellow striker Luuk de Jong still out. Deniz Gul came off the bench to score his first goal in a year and could step in if needed.
Zaidu Sanusi, another weekend scorer, pushes for a start, while Nehuen Perez remains unavailable. Youngster Martim Fernandes, despite his league suspension, is eligible to feature here.
Red Star
Life on the road has been punishing for Red Star, who have lost 12 of their last 16 away matches in the group stages of UEFA competitions. One bright spot came last year, with a 2-0 success at Young Boys in the Champions League, but their campaign still ended in 29th place with just six points.
A 1-1 draw with Celtic on matchday one leaves Vladan Milojevic’s men under pressure to turn stalemates into wins if they are to avoid another early continental exit. Thursday also continues a difficult trend: they have managed only two victories in eight previous meetings with Portuguese opposition, and never on Portuguese soil.
Nonetheless, Red Star arrive unbeaten in six matches, winning four, including a stirring late comeback against Radnicki 1923 at the weekend. This season has brought no shortage of entertainment, with goals at both ends in 12 of their 15 fixtures – a stark contrast to Porto’s near-impenetrable defence.
Team News
Bruno Duarte, sent off domestically, is available here, while Rade Krunic misses out again through injury. Stefan Lekovic and Mirko Ivanic, both weekend scorers, should keep their places, and veteran forward Marko Arnautovic is pushing for a start after impressing off the bench.
Conclusion
Porto’s blend of defensive resilience and attacking fluency – 20 goals scored and just one conceded this season – suggests they should have too much for Red Star, who continue to leak goals in European away fixtures.
The Dragons are strong favourites to extend their flawless run and claim another victory.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 10/21
Bookmaker: Unibet
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