The tie between Nottingham Forest and FC Porto is finely balanced after the first leg, as the two sides meet at the City Ground on Thursday. Nottingham Forest have an opportunity to make it an all-English semi-final with a win over FC Porto this week.
Nottingham Forest are fighting on two fronts with their European campaign, alongside their fight against relegation in the Premier League. The Reds are performing well under Vitor Pereira, as they are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions; however, their home form has been a struggle for the side from Nottingham. The hosts for this fixture have not won a home fixture in any competition since the 4-0 win against Ferencvaros, meaning that since that victory, the home side have gone without a win at the City Ground in their last seven, and in Europe, the Reds have lost both of their home knockout matches, faring better on their travels instead.
As for FC Porto, the home leg would have been frustrating for the Dragons given their dominance over Nottingham Forest. FC Porto had 16 shots on goal and recorded an xG of 2.16 to 0.45 xG of Nottingham Forest. Martim Fernandes scored a remarkable own goal to give Forest a chance in this tie in the reverse leg. The Portuguese league leaders are heading into this game, with no defeats in their last eight matches in all competitions and have won their last three away from home.
If the first leg is anything to go by, then FC Porto should have enough quality against Nottingham Forest. William Gomes is likely to deputise up front in the absence of Samu Aghehowa and the striker has the eye for goal with 11 goals across European and domestic competition this season.
Nottingham Forest 1-2 FC Porto
