Champions League Team News and Prediction: Porto vs Juventus
The last of this week's four Champions League games sees Porto host Juventus. Both sides come into the tie on the back of poor results at the weekend as they seek to gain a first leg advantage in their first meeting since facing off at this stage of the competition back in 2017.
Here we run through the much-needed pre-match information, including when the match kicks off, how to watch the game, team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Wednesday 17th February, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Estadio do Dragao, Porto
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 2
Form Guide
Porto have lost just four competitive matches this season, an impressive record for the Portuguese side, but have drawn their last four games. Nevertheless, at home they have been superb, with their sole defeat coming back in October in a surprise 3-2 reverse at the hands of Maritimo. The Liga NOS giants are unbeaten in five in the Champions League, winning four, and are not to be underestimated tonight.
Juventus have lost just one of their last eight competitive games, though that came in the weekend's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Napoli, in what was hardly ideal preparation for their Champions League return. The Old Lady has lost two of their last four away matches, but in turn have won six of their last eight on the road. Juventus took on Porto at the last-16 stage back in 2017, securing a 3-0 aggregate win, and topped their Champions League group owing to their better head-to-head record against Barcelona.
Team News
Porto were expected to be without key left-sided duo Zaidu Sanusi and Otavio for the welcome of Juventus, but the pair featured from the bench at the weekend and their availability is a welcome boost for head coach Sergio Conceiçao. Both are set to start at left-back and on the left flank, respectively, with Luis Diaz and the in-form Mehdi Taremi battling to partner Moussa Marega up front.
For Juventus, Andrea Pirlo is without Aaron Ramsey, Paulo Dybala and Arthur for tonight's clash at the Estadio do Dragao. The Champions League's top assister, Juan Cuadrado, is expected to miss out, which could see Pirlo use a 3-5-2 setup, with Danilo, Matthijs de Ligt and Giorgio Chiellini featuring at the back.
Probable XIs
Porto (442) - Marchesin; Manafa, Mbemba, Pepe, Sanusi; Corona, Uribe, Oliveira, Otavio; Marega, Taremi
Juventus (352) - Szczesny; Danilo, De Ligt, Chiellini; Chiesa, Rabiot, Bentancur, McKennie, Sandro; Morata, Ronaldo
Key Battle: Otavio vs Federico Chiesa
Otavio was set to miss the welcome of Juventus, but the Brazilian has made a quick return from injury and after coming off the bench at the weekend, is expected to start on the left. The 26-year-old has earned a WhoScored rating of 7.51 in Liga NOS this season, that the second best in the league, and his hard work off the ball is a key reason for his solid Champions League rating (7.19) this term, with the Brazilian's three tackles per game among the best in the competition.
Federico Chiesa has proven a solid capture from rivals Fiorentina and the Italian has adjusted well to the Champions League, be it from the right or left flank. The 23-year-old is a fine attacking outlet for Andrea Pirlo to utilise and he'll be sure to make Otavio work hard when he does receive the ball on the right tonight.
Score Prediction - Porto 1-2 Juventus
