Anderlecht remains unbeaten in the Europa League this season as they host Porto. The Belgian side aims to continue their strong campaign. Meanwhile Porto hopes to get their second win of their Europa League run as the Portuguese side currently has more losses than victory’s.
Anderlecht side are six points clear of their Portuguese counterparts and are on track for immediate qualification to the knockout rounds. Their form in both the Europa League and Belgian Pro League has been impressive with a strong attack led by striker Kasper Dolberg who has been in excellent form, scoring ten goals in 14 games domestically this season. Anderlecht's recent 1-1 draw against RFS was a rare setback but they are otherwise on track to challenge for a spot in the next round, especially if they manage to grab a win today.
Porto’s Europa League hopes are hanging on by a thread as they currently have a playoff spot on goal difference, so a positive result in Brussels is needed to keep their qualification dreams alive. A poor run of form which includes three straight losses has put coach Vitor Bruno under serious pressure as Porto's struggles have been particularly evident in away matches. While their record in Brussels is worrying as they’ve never scored against Anderlecht in four previous visits, Porto hopes to turn the tides and grab a victory to climb up the table and find some security.
For Anderlecht, Jan Vertonghen and Thorgan Hazard are nearing full fitness but may not start, meanwhile Leander Dendoncker returns from injury. Kasper Dolberg, in red hot form with five goals in his last two league games will spearhead the attack.
Porto will be without several key players including Fran Navarro, Otavio, Wendell and Marko Grujic but Galeno and Samu Aghehowa will return to the lineup. Galeno has been instrumental in creating chances while Aghehowa leads Porto’s attack with four Europa League goals.
Anderlecht possible lineup: Coosemans; Sardella, Simic, Jorgensen, N'Diaye; Verschaeren, Rits; Dreyer, Stroeykens, Edozie; Dolberg
Porto possible lineup: Costa; Fernandes, Perez, Djalo, Moura; Varela, Eustaquio; Vieira, Nico, Galeno; Samu
