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

The Gunners were probably relieved to learn that they would face FC Porto in the Champions League round of 16.

Arsenal is seen as a stronger team than FC Porto, at least on paper. Arsenal is doing exceptionally well in the Premier League, although FC Porto isn’t at its best this season. In the Portuguese league, they are currently chasing Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, who were 7 points ahead of them prior to the weekend’s games. The gap may be different when you read this. However, FC Porto is not currently in top form. Given their present form and Arsenal’s stunning 2024 revival, Arteta and his men are predicted to handily defeat the Portuguese club.

Gooners are confident in their abilities. However, the outcome of the match will be determined by the 180 minutes on the pitch during which they will compete to move to the UCL quarterfinals. However, it is worth noting that FC Porto should not be forgotten in these two matches. Actually, they have a couple players who Arsenal should keep an eye on.

Pepe, their Brazilian winger, is undoubtedly a man who can cause difficulties for Arsenal. The 26-year-old has been quite impressive, scoring two goals and giving six assists in the Primeira Liga and Champions League. Porto benefits from his flexibility to play numerous positions, which adds a surprise factor to their game. Pepe is a player the Arsenal fullbacks will have to contend with.

Stephen Eustaquio is killing it in the FC Porto midfield. Eustaquio, a Canadian international, has a fiery personality that might unnerve the Gunners in the middle of the park. He’s regarded as a press-resistant playmaker who brings an attacking threat to Porto’s Champions League games this season.

Evanilson (above) is another guy Arsenal should keep an eye on. The striker has already been linked with a move to Arsenal this season, so his abilities are well known at the Emirates. He is a clear goal threat. He has 19 goals in 26 games, which is fantastic. He’s scored four goals in five Champions League games this season. He’s quite fast, so Gabriel and Saliba best stay alert or they’ll be caught off guard.

In addition to Pepe, Eustaquio, and Evanilson, Arsenal should keep a watch on Wenderson Galeno, a Brazilian winger. In just five Champions League appearances, the left-sided winger has four goals and three assists.