Europa League 
/ Richard Aikman / 06 April 2011 / Leave a Comment Hulk remains a key player for Porto
"Few expected Spartak to get past Ajax in the last round but they did so comfortably, winning 4-0 on aggregate."
The newly-crowned Portuguese champions are big favourites to conquer their Russian opponents but could Valeri Karpin's side cause another upset? Richard Aikman selects the bets.
Having clinched the Portuguese title at the weekend, FC Porto [1.42] will have no trouble sweeping aside Spartak Moscow [10.5] on Thursday night.
The Dragons were crowned champions with five matches to go after beating their nearest rivals and fellow Europa League quarter-finalists Benfica 2-1 at the Estadio de Luz, thanks to goals by Fredy Guarin and Hulk, and both players will be a threat against Spartak - as will Falcao, who is second top scorer in the competition with seven goals.
André Villas-Boas has had a remarkable first season in charge with his side winning 23 of their 25 league fixtures and losing just once in the Europa League. That defeat came at home to Sevilla but proved enough for the Portuguese Liga side to go through on away goals at the expense of the Spaniards anyway.
Furthermore, Porto only recently put a far better Muscovite side to the sword when beating CSKA Moscow both home and away. Given that the visitors have made a wretched start to their league campaign, losing two of their first three matches 4-0 and 3-1, the omens don't look good for Valeri Karpin's side.
Then again, few expected Spartak to get past Ajax in the last round but they did so comfortably, winning 4-0 on aggregate. They also knocked out another side that was playing Champions League football in the autumn, beating FC Basel 4-3 over two legs, and have lost only one of their last eight European away fixtures, 4-1 at Chelsea in this season's UEFA Champions League group stage. The draw is not unattractive at [4.9].
However, tournament favourites Porto [3.05], who have twice won 2-1 (priced at [8.8]) - against CSKA and Benfica - in their last three matches, are the second highest scorers in the competition and can be trusted to build a strong lead in front of their home crowd.
Recommended Bets
Back Porto to score at least two goals @ [1.6]
Back HT/FT Porto/Porto @ [2.18]
Porto to win 2-1 @ [8.8]
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