Reigning Champions League champions Porto face a tough tie against Italian giants Inter Milan in their bid to reach the quarter finals.
Porto lost twice in the group stage of the competition but stumbled through in second place behind Chelsea.
New Coach Jose Couceiro will make his UEFA Champions League debut in the holders’ first knockout round tie at the Estadio do Dragao but insists he is not worried about facing a side yet to lose this season.
“I’m not nervous because this is my first European match,” he said, “I’m absolutely calm. In fact, I normally get good results in my first games.”
The Portuguese side have been boosted by a number of big players returning for the game, and coach Jose Couceiro will be keen to take home advantage, despite missing suspended captain Jorge Costa.
Influential midfielder Maniche and South African forward Benni McCarthy are both included in the squad. Greek Euro 2004 winner Giorgios Seitaridis returns along with Pedro Emanuel.
Brazilians Ibson and Diego will not feature for Porto, with the latter suspended after his sending off and Jorge Costa’s three bookings have led to his exclusion from the game.
Inter boss Roberto Mancini has surprisingly left out Edgar Davids and Alvaro Recoba from his squad – despite limited attacking options.
Star man Adriano’s form has suffered of late and he cannot seem to get back amongst the goals, whilst Christian Vieri is struggling with a back problem.
Obafemi Martins is still recovering from a kidney infection, whilst Julio Cruz is not yet at full match fitness.
Inter captain Javier Zanetti is in a determined mood.
“Porto have a strong strike-force which can change games, so it will be a difficult encounter,” he admitted.
“This was never going to be easy – it will be a mental battle, but we know their team well and are prepared for what they offer.”
