A decisive winner-takes-all clash in Group H awaits at the Estadio do Dragao as second-placed Porto welcomes third-placed Shakhtar Donetsk for a place in the Champions League last 16.
With both teams tied on nine points, Porto holds the advantage over Shakhtar due to their matchday one victory in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Match Preview
Porto has a history of advancing beyond the group stage in the Champions League, needing only to avoid defeat in this fixture to secure their spot in the knockout rounds.
Despite a recent loss to Barcelona, Porto’s earlier win over Shakhtar positions them favorably to progress.
Shakhtar, on the other hand, faces a must-win situation to keep their Champions League aspirations alive.
Their recent defensive solidity coupled with a victory over Royal Antwerp has boosted their confidence, but their daunting task involves securing their first-ever victory against Porto.
Team News
Porto may miss midfielder Ivan Jaime due to a minor injury, while key players like Gabriel Veron and Ivan Marcano remain sidelined.
Galeno might return to the starting lineup in Jaime’s absence, while Joao Mario is expected to recover from a thigh problem in time for this crucial fixture.
Shakhtar is likely to miss Lassina Traore, Ivan Petryak, and Yukhym Konoplya due to their respective injuries. With Traore out until at least December, Danylo Sikan is expected to lead the attacking line, while Georgiy Sudakov aims to impress amid reported interest from top clubs.
Possible Lineups
Porto: (4-4-2)
Costa;
Mario, Pepe, Cardoso, Sanusi;
Pepe, Varela, Eustaquio, Galeno;
Taremi, Evanilson
Shakhtar Donetsk: (4-2-3-1)
Riznyk;
Gocholeishvili, Bondar, Matvienko, Azarovi;
Stepanenko, Bondarenko;
Zubkov, Sudakov, Newerton;
Sikan
Prediction: Porto 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Despite Shakhtar’s recent defensive resilience, their desperate need for a win against Porto may lead them to take more risks.
This could allow Porto to exploit counter-attacking opportunities and secure a victory, advancing to the last 16 while Shakhtar settles for a Europa League spot.