Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League match.
Red Bull Salzburg
Since mid-July, Red Bull Salzburg have already played 13 competitive matches, and fatigue has started to show. They’ve dropped points in three straight Bundesliga rounds: a 2:2 draw with LASK followed by defeats to Wolfsberger (1:3) and Sturm Graz (0:2). Their defence has been the weakest among the Austrian top six, conceding 10 goals. Even so, Salzburg remain an open, attacking side – only one of their 13 games this season has produced fewer than two total goals.
Porto
Porto are perfect so far in the Portuguese league with six wins from six, boasting a 15:1 goal difference. The highlight was a 2:1 away victory over defending champions Sporting. Their numbers are dominant: averaging 2.3 xG per match (13.7 across six rounds) while allowing just 0.55 xGA – both the best marks in the league. In five of those six games, Porto scored at least twice, underlining their attacking strength.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Porto Prediction
Red Bull Salzburg’s defensive fragility has cost them domestically, and against a well-balanced Porto side they are unlikely to hold out. With home support they should at least find the net, but Porto’s form suggests they will not leave Austria empty-handed.
