Can Krasnodar crash FC Porto’s trip to Russia?

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Russia’s Krasnodar and Portugal’s FC Porto join the Champions League party this week in the third round of qualification.

Last year’s third place finishers in Russia, Krasnodar, hope to get past a very difficult opponent in FC Porto. The Portuguese club finished second on the domestic front a season ago and reached the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Krasnodar kicked off the Russian Premier League in mid-July and have already played four matches on the domestic front. Krasnodar sit fifth with seven points from 12 possible. Despite losing their season opener to Akhmat Grozny, Krasnodar are undefeated in three straight games.

FC Porto won’t kick off the Portuguese league season until the weekend. They are still in preseason mode and will need to focus early on. Their trip to Russia is a tricky fixture as Krasnodar have four league matches under their belt.

Fitness could be an issue for FC Porto’s players, but the positive news is they have played 10 friendly matches in preseason. Not all were high-profile with some coming against the FC Porto B team. FC Porto’s only loss in preseason came against France’s AS Monaco, 1-0.

As FC Porto do every summer, they have sold players for profits and signed a number of potential stars. FC Porto is a gateway for South American players to reach Europe and their model of buying low and selling high works well financially.

Despite spending over £60 million on new players, FC Porto’s big player news is the sales of stars Diego Militao, Felipe, and Oliver Torres. Several other players left on free transfers.

Krasnodar also hit the transfer market with several players familiar with European football joining the club. Remy Cabella joined from Saint-Etienne and veteran goal scorer Marcus Berg signed from Al Ain.

The Russians have scored seven goals in the Russian Premier League after four matches with forward Ivan Ignatyev tallying two scores.

Although Krasnodar have kicked off their league season and started well, FC Porto will be their toughest challenge thus far. The Portuguese could get off to a slow start away from home, but should come away from Russia with a victory.

Krasnodar and FC Porto should both find the back of the net as over 2.5 goals are scored. FC Porto’s experience in the Champions League should enable them to get the win and advantage going into the second leg.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

UCL

FK Krasnodar FC Porto 07/08/2019 19:00

222850

2

1 - 2

2.92

20°

2.45

2.90 3.25 2.45 -1 -1 1

FT

0 - 1(0 - 0)

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