AS Roma v Porto Betting Tip

As I mentioned in my first leg tip, this is undoubtedly the tie of the round with two big names going head-to-head for a place in the Champions League group stages.

Whilst Roma will be pleased to have secured an away goal in Porto, they will be disappointed that they were unable to take a win back to the Stadio Olimpico, especially given the fact that they only conceded through a penalty. Thomas Vermaelen’s sending off 41 minutes into his debut for the club definitely did not help Roma complete their objectives.

Following that draw on Wednesday evening, Luciano Spalletti’s side got their Serie A campaign underway with a 4-0 thrashing of Udinese at home. Diego Perotti scored two penalties whilst Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah carried on the form which saw their loan spells from last season converted into permanent deals.

As mentioned in my first leg tip, I am not convinced by Porto. They did not look anywhere near the same level as Roma in that first match and were lucky not to lose. However, they are currently top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga after gaining maximum points from their first two games.

I think Roma will come through this tie pretty comfortably. Porto do not score many goals and I think the home side’s sturdy defence will be able to cope with the Portuguese side despite Thomas Vermaelen’s suspension.

Spalletti’s team to win to nil is priced at a very reasonable 15/8.

As noted above, both Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah are in good form so I would back them both to score anytime at 6/4 and 7/4 respectively.

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