In spite of having qualified already past the group stage and into the knock out phase of the UEFA Champions League, disciplined FC Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira expects his side to go all out for victory when Arsenal FC travel to Portugal in the concluding round of Group G fixtures.
Both teams have ten points from five games and a two point cushion over PFC CSKA Moskva (Moscow), but even with a tie at the Estádio do Dragão both teams result in mutual celebrations. Arsenal and Porto would prevail in a three way head to head with CSKA, who visit point less Hamburger SV.
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Manager Ferreira acknowledges how unusual it would be to tie and still achieve their objective, although he was adamant in assuring Porto’s position is to go out and win the match demonstrating; “…the same will to win we show in every game." Porto’s Coach also admitted to Arsenal’s abilities and talents, but also spoke of Porto’s parity.
Jesualdo Ferreira is able to celebrate the return of Paulo Assunção and Fucile after both sat out Saturday's 2-0 home Portuguese Liga win against Boavista FC, although Tomislav Šokota, Pedro Emanuel and Anderson remain long-term absentees.
The visitors have their own injury concerns; however, with French Astro captain Thierry Henry, on suspension anyhow, facing a spell on the sidelines through fatigue related problems. In spite of this the home coach is not placing too much significance on the Frenchman's loss, claiming Henry's absence makes no difference to the team, since TT is an important player for Arsenal but that they're very strong as a team.
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Ferreira mentioned the lack of weaknesses in the Arsenal squad, citing their teams very balanced and manages to keep the ball in their opponents' half. His side surrendered 2-0 at the Arsenal Stadium on Matchday 2, but the hope is that they can exploit the travel sickness of a team who has lost their last three Premiership road games
In addition to Henry, Arsène Wenger must make do without Tomáš Rosický, ruled out for up to three weeks with a hamstring injury, and William Gallas. Although the Arsenal manager remains confident since his team consists of young players who must be taught to continue in spite of minor setbacks.
Wenger took his charges to last season's final and echoed his Porto counterpart in his desire for a positive result, adding: "We will continue to play our game and our approach is always to win. Porto will no doubt aim to do the same. They have been consistent and the match should be very interesting."
Probable teams
Porto: Helton; Bosingwa, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Fucile; Paulo Assunção, Raul Meireles, Lucho González; Ricardo Quaresma, Lisandro López, Hélder Postiga.
Arsenal: Jens Lehmann; Emmanuel Eboué, Kolo Touré, Philippe Senderos, Gaël Clichy; Aleksandr Hleb, Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto, Fredrik Ljungberg, Robin van Persie; Emmanuel Adebayor.
FC Porto is +270, while Arsenal +295. Pick a winner although I trust the draw will come to prevail here at -145, it’s like a small favorite in baseball and 0-0, 1-1 and etc count!
