Salzburg vs Porto Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Europa League

Salzburg vs Porto Preview

• Tournament: Europa League 2025/26 season
• Date: Thursday, 25th September 2025
• Kick-off time: 21:00 CET, 20:00 BST, 15:00 ET
• Venue: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg

RB Salzburg open its Europa League campaign at home against a high-flying Porto side. In this Salzburg vs Porto prediction, you will find everything about the teams' form and fate.

Thomas Letsch took over Salzburg after the failed Pep Lijnders stint. The German manager's side is, however, yet to fly out of the blocks in the new season. With just three wins in six games, they are five points off the summit. After the club had a rough Club World Cup run, the Europa League offers them some hope to have a good spell in cup competitions.

Porto, on the other hand, had a wonderful start to the season. They are flawless in the league with five wins in five as they lead the pack ahead of Sporting. Francesco Farioli instilled his tactics well as they aim for a first league title in five years. Farioli would also be hoping for a successful Europa League run after a miserable Club World Cup in the summer.

Ahead of these sides' first official meeting, SportsDunia brings you the Salzburg vs Porto prediction, Salzburg vs Porto predicted lineups and where to watch Salzburg vs Porto.

Salzburg Team News

Salzburg have plenty of problems to deal with in their lineup. Clement Bischoff carries over his European suspension from Brondby's Conference League qualifier. Key starter Karim Konate is out of the clash as he continues his recovery. Fringe players like Karim Onisiwo, John Mellberg, Takumu Kawamura and Valentin Sulzbacher are all out. The coach has to depend on a thin squad to deliver the goods.

Porto Team News

Stephen Eustaquio's red card in the previous campaign means he is unavailable for the game. Key starters and men in form, Alberto Costa and Luuk de Jong, suffered injuries and are touch-and-go for the clash. Martim Fernandes, Neuhen Perez and William Gomes are also expected to miss out. Farioli will not have the option of rotation as he would love a fast start in the Europa League.

Salzburg vs Porto Predicted Lineups

Here are our Salzburg vs Porto predicted lineups.

Salzburg predicted lineups (4-2-2-2)

Schlager; Lainer, Gadou, Rasmussen, Kratzig; Bidstrup, Alajbegovic; Kitano, Jjaergaard; Ratkov, Vertessem

Porto predicted lineups (4-3-3)

Costa; Rosario, Bednarek, Kiwior, Moura; Froholdt, Varela, Mora; Pepe, Aghehowa, Sainz

Salzburg vs Porto H2H Record

This is the first official meeting between the sides and both would be raring to make a good start in this potential rivalry.

Key Players to Watch in Salzburg vs Porto

Petar Ratkov (Salzburg)

The 22-year-old started the season in scorching form as he almost scored his goal tally from the previous two seasons combined in just 13 games. His link-up play has improved by leaps and bounds as he is flourishing alongside Yorbe Vertessen. As Porto dominates the ball, expect him to hold it up and then run past defenders on the break for Salzburg.

Samuel Aghehowa (Porto)

The impressive 21-year-old started the season with a brace in his first game. He then suffered a muscle injury before the deadline, which might have thrown a spanner in his potential move to Newcastle United. However, the Spaniard Samuel Aghehowa recovered well and scored the winner against Nacional recently. With his pace and power, he will be a handful for any defensive unit. Samu already has a taste for goals in the Europa League and would look for a fast start to hunt a Golden Boot.

Salzburg vs Porto Prediction

Salzburg have a small squad to work with and despite the coach's influence over the team, they are stumbling in the season. Farioli, on the other side, is working brilliantly with the talent available at his disposal. His Porto side might just have too much for Salzburg as we expect them to walk away with all three points.

Predicted Score: Salzburg 1-2 Porto

Where to Watch Salzburg vs Porto

Here's how you can find out where to watch Salzburg vs Porto around the world.