A decisive winner-takes-all conflict in Group H awaits on the Estadio do Dragao as second-placed Porto welcomes third-placed Shakhtar Donetsk for a spot within the Champions League final 16.
With each groups tied on 9 factors, Porto holds the benefit over Shakhtar as a consequence of their matchday one victory in what guarantees to be an exciting showdown.
Match Preview
Porto has a historical past of advancing past the group stage within the Champions League, needing solely to keep away from defeat on this fixture to safe their spot within the knockout rounds.
Regardless of a current loss to Barcelona, Porto’s earlier win over Shakhtar positions them favorably to progress.
Shakhtar, however, faces a must-win state of affairs to maintain their Champions League aspirations alive.
Their current defensive solidity coupled with a victory over Royal Antwerp has boosted their confidence, however their daunting activity entails securing their first-ever victory towards Porto.
Crew Information
Porto could miss midfielder Ivan Jaime as a consequence of a minor damage, whereas key gamers like Gabriel Veron and Ivan Marcano stay sidelined.
Galeno may return to the beginning lineup in Jaime’s absence, whereas Joao Mario is anticipated to recuperate from a thigh drawback in time for this significant fixture.
Shakhtar is more likely to miss Lassina Traore, Ivan Petryak, and Yukhym Konoplya as a consequence of their respective accidents. With Traore out till no less than December, Danylo Sikan is anticipated to guide the attacking line, whereas Georgiy Sudakov goals to impress amid reported curiosity from prime golf equipment.
Attainable Lineups
Porto: (4-4-2)
Costa;
Mario, Pepe, Cardoso, Sanusi;
Pepe, Varela, Eustaquio, Galeno;
Taremi, Evanilson
Shakhtar Donetsk: (4-2-3-1)
Riznyk;
Gocholeishvili, Bondar, Matvienko, Azarovi;
Stepanenko, Bondarenko;
Zubkov, Sudakov, Newerton;
Sikan
Prediction: Porto 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Regardless of Shakhtar’s current defensive resilience, their determined want for a win towards Porto could make them take extra dangers.
This might enable Porto to take advantage of counter-attacking alternatives and safe a victory, advancing to the final 16 whereas Shakhtar settles for a Europa League spot.