Porto can pounce on depleted Bayern in CL quarter-final clash

Porto have twice played Bayern Munich in Champions League and European Cup quarter-finals before without success, but do still hold one notable victory over the German giants.

The Dragons defeated Bundesliga big boys Bayern in the 1987 final, but are 5/1 outsiders to qualify for this season’s semis with Coral, despite Munich manager Pep Guardiola missing some key names for the first leg in Portugal.

Defence is depleted for the visitors, odds-on both to take a lead back to the Allianz (5/6) and to make the final four (1/8), with David Alaba (knee) and Mehdi Benatia (hamstring) joining long-term absentee Javi Martinez (knee, but back in light training) on the sidelines.

Couple those being out with senior wingers Franck Ribery (ankle) and Arjen Robben (hip) also being out, alongside midfield maestro Bastian Schweinsteiger (also ankle), and you can make a real case for Porto pinching the first leg at a tasty 10/3.

For Dragons coach Julen Lopetegui, the only slight fly in the ointment is the fitness of Colombia hitman Jackson Martinez. Calf and groin problems have kept Porto’s leading marksman out for over a month now, and this encounter may come too soon for Maritnez (2/1 anytime chance if fit) and Cristian Tello (thigh).

Martinez has six in eight Champions League outings this term, but so does Algeria attacker Yacine Brahimi. This is a real acid test for the reigning BBC African Footballer of the Year, as he is attracting interest from some of Europe’s elite.

If brilliant Brahimi can convert a chance against a beleaguered Bayern backline, then his stock will rise further. Odds of 4/1 say he nets anytime.

Mexico’s box-to-box player Hector Herrera is another for Munich and punters to keep an eye on after four European goals this term. He’s a 6/1 shot to add to that tally in the first leg.