Porto v Arsenal preview

Duo battle it out for top spot in Group G

By James Pearson   Last updated: 10th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Porto v Arsenal preview

Wenger: Without a host of stars

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Porto entertain Arsenal at the Stadio do Dragao with top spot in UEFA Champions League Group G up for grabs.

The Gunners crushed the Portuguese outfit 4-0 at the Emirates earlier in the season, although Jesualdo Ferreira insists Porto are not out for revenge.

Arsenal are currently top of the group, meaning a draw in Portugal will be enough for Arsene Wenger's side, while only a win will do if Ferreira's outfit have eyes on usurping The Gunners.

However, Arsenal will be resting a number of key personnel in the midst of an injury crisis, meaning Porto will not have much of a better shot of exacting revenge.

Duo back

Although William Gallas and Abou Diaby are back in Arsenal's squad for their trip to Portugal, the likes of Samir Nasri (ankle), Gael Clichy (hamstring) and Cesc Fabregas (knee), Bacary Sagna (flu), Kolo Toure (calf), Robin van Persie (thigh) and Emmanuel Adebayor (rested) are set to sit out the game.

That means Arsenal will have a much changed starting XI on show from that which eased past Wigan 1-0 on Saturday at the Emirates.

Nicklas Bendtner will start in attack with Adebayor rested although highly-rated Mexico striker Carlos Vela could well be given the nod alongside the Dane to bolster his European experience.

Mikael Silvestre is likely to slot in at left-back for Clichy with Gallas joining Alexandre Song at the heart of Arsenal's defence, with Johan Djourou moving to right-back.

Wenger will have to weigh up whether to involve Emmanuel Eboue after his shocking display off the bench against The Latics. The substitute was forced to be replaced following a string of errors.

History

Arsenal could make history on Wednesday as Porto, who come into the match on a six-game winning streak, are unbeaten on home soil against English opponents.

Lisandro and Hulk should lead the line for the home side, with Cristian Rodriguez also likely to push forward and cause problems for Arsenal's back line.

Porto have Lucho available again following suspension after he served a one-match ban for his red card picked up against Fenerbahce.

Cristian Sapunaru (thigh), Pedro Emanuel (left knee) and Fernando (right leg) could all miss out due to recent injuries.