FC Porto vs Schalke Predictions

Can Primeira Liga leaders Porto continue their marvellous run of form with a victory over Schalke on Wednesday night? The pair are each set for the next round of the competition, and Schalke are hoping their qualification for the next round will be confirmed here, one way or another. Meanwhile, Porto know a victory in this encounter can secure top spot for them, and potentially give them a more straightforward clash in the last 16. Will the Dragons secure three points here, or can Schalke continue their unbeaten record?

The hosts are two points clear in the Primeira Liga, and are searching for more success in Europe this week. They come into Wednesday’s match on the back of an eight-game winning streak, and they will be aiming to build on that run when they host the Bundesliga side. They’ve won to nil in three of their last four matches thanks to Saturday’s cup win over Belenenses, and now the Portuguese champions can keep their streak rolling ahead of Saturday’s Porto derby.

Schalke are limbering in 14th place in the Bundesliga, so this European adventure may be their last for a while. Domestically they are only four points above the drop zone, and are having a torrid time of things in the league of late. Their last trip brought a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt, and we see more struggles for Schalke on Wednesday night.

The visitors may be unbeaten in Europe so far, but Porto are looking much more impressive. They lead the group by two points, and that should be extended here. Schalke are on a five-game run without a victory on the road, and they come into this encounter with a side who are in fantastic form. It’s over five years since Schalke managed back to back wins in the Champions League, and their recent results suggest that,that wait will go on.

The hosts have an excellent record at home of late, securing seven victories on the spin. They’re also a side to fear in Europe, as Porto have won six of their last seven Champions League group stage games at home. We expect them to add to that with three points here, and we think the hosts are excellent value given their recent form. Porto to win is our tip, while we see them claiming another clean sheet on Wednesday night as they wrap up top spot.