- FC Porto are unbeaten in five matches across all competitions, winning all five
- FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) are also undefeated in their last five, winning four and drawing their opening Europa League fixture against Celtic
Porto to prove their class against Red Star
FC Porto are the firm favourites to see off FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) in what looks a good game when these two heavyweights meet in Thursday’s UEFA Europa League 2025/2026 group-stage encounter. The hosts are 1.43 for the win, while their visitors are 6.8 and the tie price is 4.9.
That’s a big price gap to bridge, but there are plenty of reasons why the FC Porto vs FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) prediction isn’t entirely straightforward in this clash of what have been two traditional European powerhouses over the past few decades. Vladan Milojevic has been in charge at Red Star since December 2023, but has already instilled some tactical discipline and a direct attacking philosophy upon the team.
Their 1-1 home draw with Celtic in the Europa League last week was followed by a 2-1 home win against FK Radnicki 1923 Kragujevac in the Super Liga on Sunday.
Farioli’s forward-thinking Porto can outgun Red Star
Porto are clearly on a better run of form and have won their five competitive games to date, but the FC Porto vs FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) prediction may still favor the Serbs in the double chance market because they look capable of frustrating the Dragons for long periods of this match.
Francesco Farioli was appointed as Porto’s head coach in July 2025 and has immediately imposed his own identity upon the side, which is a pressing, passing style that can morph from a 4-3-3 into a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 at the drop of a hat. The aim is to dominate the central areas and overload the flanks in possession, while Porto are equally adept at counter-pressing opponents and making quick transitions.
This FC Porto vs FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) preview highlights Porto’s depth in every area of the field and some talented players with William Gomes leading their front line; he found the net in Porto’s opening Europa League game, which was a 1-0 away win at Red Bull Salzburg.
Both teams can score in this heavyweight clash
Martim Fernandes is a fine creative force, capable of picking out the best pass, and already has one assist to his name in European competition. Meanwhile, Marko Arnautovic is Red Star’s main goal threat, having also netted once in their opener, while Franklin Uchenna brings plenty of skill and creativity to their midfield.
Red Star’s formation is usually a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 that relies on the pace and directness of their wingers, with the centre-forwards getting some joy from set pieces and counter attacks.
Both sides will want to win this game and show their European pedigree with the group still wide open after one game apiece. Porto are ranked ninth on three points from one match, while Red Star are 19th on one point.
Porto look the more likely winner on form and on paper, but Red Star will make a game of it and could nick a point from this encounter. The Over 2.5 goals bet is worth a play here at 1.6, however, with our FC Porto vs FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) prediction being that the game is likely to feature plenty of end-to-end action. For those considering a wager, the FC Porto vs FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) betting tips suggest backing goals and an entertaining contest.
