Group G
The two goup strugglers meet in Porto tonight when Hamburg visit the Portuguese champions.
Hamburg are yet to get off the mark and do not even have a Bundesliga win to their credit, while Porto have picked up just one point in the Champions League to date.
“It is true that Hamburg have not won a league match this season,” Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira said.
“But these are two different competitions. The fact they are winning or losing their games does not change anything in terms of how we approach the game. We are going to try to put on pressure from the start. Obviously I would like us to have scored already in the Champions League, but I am not worried about that.”
“Even if we win both matches against Hamburg, we cannot qualify if we do not get any more points against CSKA and Arsenal.”
Hamburg have lost midfielder David Jarolim with a shoulder injury and with Rafael van der Vaart still out, much will depend on 22-year-old playmaker Piotr Trochowski.
To compound problems for coach Thomas Doll, defenders Guy Demel, Bastian Reinhardt and Thimothée Atouba are sidelined after suffering recent injuries and Vincent Kompany is a severe doubt with a groin problem. Striker Benjamin Lauth is suspended, but goalkeeper Sascha Kirschstein is available after serving a ban in Hamburg’s previous game.
“Both teams need the points so it is a hugely important match,” said Doll. “Hamburg will play as if it were the final. This season has not been too good but there is no better opportunity than a UEFA Champions League match when a new attitude is needed. Porto are top of their league, a great side, but we are not worried.”
Probable teams
Porto:
Helton; Ricardo Costa, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Marek ?ech; Lucho González, Raul Meireles, Anderson; Ricardo Quaresma, Hélder Postiga, Lisandro López.
Hamburg:
Sascha Kirschstein; Collin Benjamin, Raphael Wicky, Joris Mathijsen, Juan Pablo Sorín; Nigel de Jong, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Alexander Laas; Piotr Trochowski; Danijel Ljuboja, Boubacar Sanogo.
