Liverpool vs Porto: Champions League match preview
Manager Sergio Conceicao normally plays with a 4-4-2 formation in the league and stayed true to form in a 2-0 victory over Boavista last Friday as his second-placed side kept the pressure on leaders Benfica.
However, the former Brazil international almost always reverts to a more defensive 4-3-3 in European competition and looks set do so once again.
Conceicao is looking to avoid another thumping defeat after they were beaten 5-0 in front of their own fans by Liverpool in last season’s group stage.
Porto will have to make one enforced change as veteran centre-back Pepe is suspended.
Felipe should come in to partner fellow Brazilian Gabriel Militao as the central defenders in front of Iker Casillas.
Elsewhere, Conceicao is sweating over the fitness of left-back Alex Telles who could be crucial as they look to stop the threat of Mohamed Salah on the right of Liverpool’s attack.
On the right of defence, Maxi Pereira will be recalled after starting on the bench against Boavista.
Porto boss Sergio Conceicao is preparing his side to face Liverpool in the Champions League (Image: GETTY)
Danilo Pereria, Otavio and Oliver Torres are expected to start in midfield.
The supremely talented Algerian winger Yacine Brahimi was also rested last week but will come back into the side to play alongside Jesus Corona on the flanks, with Moussa Marega leading the line.
Conceicao insists he is not out for revenge despite the humbling defeat his side suffered last season.
“There is no question of revenge, it is a game of football,” he said in the build-up to the game.
Liverpool thumped porto 5-0 last season but Conceicao insists they are not out for revenge (Image: GETTY)
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How Porto could line up against liverpool (Image: BUILD LINEUP)
“All games have a history to them, some different to others.
“No single game can change the characteristics of our team. What happened last year was last year, end of story.
“We didn't do what we wanted to do and the opponent was very clinical.
“It is nothing to do with revenge, we look at Liverpool as a very strong team.
Liverpool will need to beware of Porto attacker Yacine Brahimi (Image: GETTY)
“Last year they were Champions League finalists so we know about the strength they have, all these elements.
“We are among the eight best teams in Europe and the world. We have to enjoy responsibly this challenge we have.
“I don't think anyone wanted to draw Liverpool, we say that from FC Porto. I think it's possible to win here.
Porto predicted line-up to face Liverpool: Casillas; M Pereira, Felipe, Militao, Telles; Otavio, Danilo, Torres; Corona, Marega, Brahimi