They have a pretty decent squad, and IMO they will be the toughest team in CL this season. But just like you, I hope they don't win it.
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[EU] Champions League 2007/2008 (23 Viewers)
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They have a pretty decent squad, and IMO they will be the toughest team in CL this season. But just like you, I hope they don't win it.
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Schuster: We Must Beat Werder At Home
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster's goal is clear: to defeat Werder Bremen at home in the first match of the Champions League. The pair clash at the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening, with a convincing win the only acceptable outcome for Madrid...
Bernd Schuster insists that his side need to end up with three points against Werder Bremen tomorrow night.
"We have to start strong and win every home match. That's our responsibility tomorrow," he told a press conference and Realmadrid.com this afternoon.
"The opponent may not have had a good start, but it makes little difference. They have worked under the same coach for many years and they have a clear-cut system."
However, he knows that the state of the Werder squad gives him cause for optimism.
"They have also lost some key players like Klose or Frings, who is injured," he added.
"They are key absences and the team is feeling the effect but that doesn't mean that those who play tomorrow won't go out their to prove they're a good team.
"We need to be cautious based on recent past experience. We have a huge responsibility and have to take a few similar to what we have been doing lately."
The coach emphasised that this match, as his Champions League managerial debut, is a special one.
"I feel very good and am looking forward to my first official Champions League match, especially being that it's against a German team here in the Santiago Bernabéu," he said.
"I have always enjoyed watching the finals of the Champions League since being a coach and I have always thought about being on the sideline for one. Now I'm working for a team that can get me there.
"I came close as a player and now as a coach. It must be a beautiful experience because those moments are more important than any amount of euros, dollars, or marks. That's why we have to push ourselves to the limit."
Regarding the team, he claims that Arjen Robben could make his Merengues debut tomorrow night, perhaps as a substitute, after completing his rehabilitaiton, before turning his attention towards central midfield.
Mamadou Diarra is out suspended, so Fernando Gago is set to take the central berth, giving a disctintly attacking flavour to the team.
"Gago can play that position. It's where he feels most comfortable," claimed Schuster.
"We built a squad that can avoid or improve problems that may arise from players being sent off, card accumulation, or injuries, and it's important that I know that Gago can play.
"I have all the faith in the world in him and Diarra, so I know we aren't losing any talent there. These are the moments when you realise how important it is to have a squad with enough talent to cover every single position."
Gabriel Heinze is considered doubtful for the tie and, given that Schuster is often reluctant to use the roving Royston Drenthe as a left-back, this raises questions ahead of the clash.
Schuster said, "We have three players who can cover that position: Heinze, Torres, and Marcelo, and I am counting on all three. We'll know how Heinze is later this afternoon, but I'll go with one of the others if he isn't ready.
"Having players who can play in different positions is important. Drenthe can play in several positions, and he had to play as a left back because you can't plan and organise everything in football."
Schuster didn't quite commit to winning the Champions League this season, but did state that he'd seek to 'make waves' in the competition.
"I am also interested in the League [as well as the CL], but we have to take one step at a time," he said.
"We want to make waves in the Champions League. We haven't been too lucky in recent years so we want to do well in all three competitions this season. Sevilla did it last year.
"We have to take on each match with all the serenity in the world. This club demands everything, and we've known it from day one."
Schuster was asked what aspects of the German team were worthy of particular attention.
He replied, "Diego is a key piece and an important player. We saw him last season. He's the leader of Werder Bremen now that Frings is out. Every attack goes through him and that's where we have to start.
"All teams focus on him because he is a dangerous passer and finisher. His teammates always look for him and he's Werder Bremen's most important player. We'll steer clear of problems if we take him out of the equation and we'll be able to create our own game if we take advantage of their defensive mistakes."
But the coach responded disdainfully to the idea that 'fear' would rule Madrid on Tuesday night.
"Don't exaggerate. Fear doesn't exist in football, and neither players nor coaches feel it. We've seen their last matches and came to conclusions that we need to keep in mind tomorrow.
"First, it's important that we have a full stadium tomorrow. Our preparation and the way we start the match will also play a role," concluded Schuster.
CL Preview: FC Porto – Liverpool
What: Champions League Group A
Who: Porto (1st PLiga, 12/12pts) v Liverpool (3rd EPL, 11/15pts)
When: Tuesday, 18 September, Kick-off: 19:45 local (BST)
Where: Estadio do Dragao, Porto
Fortress Dragao
FC Porto are an intriguing proposition in the Champions League. Having only won Europe’s premier trophy twice, the first in 1986/87 when it was known as the 'European Cup’ and the second, their still-memorable unlikely victory of the 2003/04 Champions League, they are not exactly exalted as a top European team of pedigree with a rich history.
However, they are still widely regarded as a dangerous opposition for they have always been great exponents of a style of traditional European football that wins games.
Whenever a team is drawn against Porto they know they are coming against a confident, committed team able to pass a ball until it is snuggly settled into the corner of your net. And this season’s Porto out-fit are no different.
Under the keen stewardship of Manuel Jesualdo Ferreira, Porto will go into their tough tie against Liverpool tomorrow with an impressive touch of form after four league wins out of four. The manner of their victories has also given their fans much to laud over, which hasn’t always been the case, especially under the current coach.
Nonetheless Liverpool presents a tougher task than any of their league opposition to date, but as defender Joao Paulo informed the media, it shall simply mean that the players will 'up their game' for what he believes will be a “major battle”.
Worryingly for Liverpool, FC Porto have somewhat chiseled a fortress out of their home ground. Since building work finished on their brand spanking new stadium in 2003, the Estadio do Dragao has become a daunting destination for Europe’s elite.
Starting with Jose Mourinho at the helm and running to the current coach, FC Porto have remained unbeaten against Europe’s elite teams when playing at home with notable names such as Chelsea, Lyon, Manchester United, Lazio and Inter Milan having already passed through the Dragao doors and left empty-handed. But then again the last team to beat Porto at the Dragao was tiny Artmedia Bratislava, so perhaps Rafa Benitez will be showing tapes of that game to inspire his players.
Nobody Likes Them, They Don’t Care
Liverpool FC’s successful history in Europe competitions is well-known and its impact far-reaching. Although their victorious jaunts in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s are repeatedly, and rightly, eulogized from most corners, the expectations this tradition mounts on subsequent players and managers can be mountainous.
Thankfully for the current crop of Kopites Rafa Benitez has broad shoulders and has, in his 3 year stint, reserved a space in the Red’s glorious Hall of Fame, with only a Premiership League trophy needed to cement that spot.
Having been Champions League finalists twice in three years (after years left in the dark), with only Portuguese giants Benfica (rather ominously) interrupting the run, Liverpool are renewed European thoroughbreds and thus are probably the most undesired opponents for any team in the tournament.
Many coaches and mangers around Europe have already frowned at the prospect of facing Liverpool in what is increasingly becoming, somewhat unfairly, a seemingly EU-wide held view that although Liverpool are European vintage, the current rigidly-built team leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
Not that Rafa or the Kop will care , for now with a defence that is resolute and unforgiving, bolstered with an action-packed midfield and expensively assembled front-line, the Reds will be one of the main favorites for the competition winner and therefore not ideal opponents for Porto’s opening European game this season.
Probably The Best Football Tournament In The World
Upon being asked one of the easiest questions he’ll most likely ever face, Sir Alex Ferguson, facing a packed media room, replied with an enormous smile and a very Scottish, “Oh Aye!”.
The question put to Ferguson was an attempt to gauge his level of excitement over this season’s Champions League beginning for proper in only a few days, to which the Manchester United boss further offered the view that the Champions League was probably the best football tournament in the world, even bigger than the World Cup.
Ferguson may have uttered football blasphemy but it is decidedly hard to disagree with his thoughts (even for a fervent World Cup advocate like myself) when one absorbs the huge prestige, spiraling money and vast viewer-ship the Champions League attracts.
Considering last season’s beaten finalists, Liverpool FC, are involved in this season’s tournament opening night against Porto, and the fact that they are also sponsored by the company to whom “Probably The Best…” is its rather ambitious tag-line, it seems apt that we should launch the 2007-2008 Champions League from a similarly skewered angle, although admittedly, one that is balanced only by a global display of gluttonous child-like bliss come this time in the football calendar.
So…with tissues at the ready to wipe away the pre-match anticipation induced foaming of the mouth, or the post-match tears in the middle of a “we’ll never win it!” rage (whichever you prefer) – lets all rub our hands together in glee as one mass of football-fanatics as the curtain is raised on the best football tournament in the world! (probably).
FORM GUIDE
Porto
15 Sept v Maritimo (H) WON 1-0 (Liga Bwin)
02 Sept v Uniao Leiria (A) WON 0-3 (Liga Bwin)
26 Aug v Sporting Lisbon (H) WON 1-0 (Liga Bwin)
18 Aug v Sporting Braga (A) WON 1-2 (Liga Bwin)
11 Aug v Sporting Lisbon (H) LOST 0-1 (Liga Super Cup)
Liverpool
15 Sept v Portsmouth (A) DREW 0-0 (Prem)
01 Sept v Derby (H) WON 6-0 (Prem)
28 Aug v Toulouse (H) WON 4-0 (CL Qualifying)
25 Aug v Sunderland (A) WON 0-2 (Prem)
19 Aug v Chelsea (H) DREW 1-1 (Prem)
TEAM NEWS
Porto
Thankfully for coach Ferreria he doesn’t have to contend with too many injury worries, although the couple of significant ones he will have to remedy might prove costly. At present first-choice goalkeeper Helton has still not recovered from a knee injury meaning Nuno Santo will start his third consecutive game.
There is scope to suggest that goalkeeping mainstay Helton may make a miraculous recovery, but if not Santo will have to face the most formidable forward line of his career. At the other end striker Adriano is a major doubt with a thigh strain, but in his absence Porto should still have enough creativity and firepower to trouble Liverpool.
Last Starting XI: Nuno Santo, Bosingwa, Joao Paulo, Bruno Alves, Cech, Lucho, Assuncao, Raul Meirless, Tarik, Lisandro, Quaresma
Liverpool
Rotation, rotation, rotation is at the heart of Mr. Benitez’s manifesto, and like it or not come 19:45 Tuesday it shall be no different. Andriy Voronin and Peter Crouch started up-front against Portsmouth last weekend so, following the trend that should mean Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt will start in Porto.
Otherwise Benitez only has three injury absentee’s with John Arne Riise still not sufficiently recovered from a groin strain picked up playing for Norway recently, whilst Momo Sissoko and long-term sidelined Harry Kewell join him on the list of players not making the trip.
On the plus side though Fabio Aurelio makes his return to the squad after long-standing ligament damage, although the Brazilian will probably make the bench rather a stating position. After a round of international games, clearly loathed by Benitez, a host of players might now be deemed fit enough to start, meaning Steven Gerrard will be expected to start in his favoured central-midfield berth.
Last Starting XI: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arebola, Pennant, Sissoko, Alonso, Benayoun, Voronin, Crouch
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Porto – Ricardo Quaresma
Even though the high-profile departures of Pepe to Real Madrid and Anderson to Manchester United bought much fortune to Porto, the best bit of business they have completed this summer is hanging on to their star winger. With so many attacking players leaving in another record-breaking period of summer transfers, the one bewildering element remains the lack of interest in Quaresma.
Many teams had made tentative gestures for the tricky attacker, yet none, to the public’s knowledge, made any serious offers. Nonetheless Porto fans are ecstatic that a player they believe to be better than Figo, Cristanio Ronaldo, Simao and Nani has stayed to showcase his abundance of skills at Porto for at least one more season.
Quaresma is usually deployed from either flank and is hugely effective whenever he plays. With pace, movement, dribbling speed, creative mind and an eye for goal, this wing-forward is a sublime footballing machine. Often temperamental but always a threat, he is so good that Marcelo Lippi was recently quoted as saying that if he ever made a return to club football he would be the first signing he would insist on.
Liverpool – Fernando Torres
More than his already impressive start to the league campaign, the lackluster performance from Voronin and Crouch this weekend highlighted the vital ingredients Torres brings to the forward line as well as Liverpool’s style of play as a whole. Able to trouble defenders with his back to goal equally as well as when he is played in behind, Torres has all the raw elements of a great striker, even if some question his natural goal-scoring instincts.
Against an average Porto defence that has not been sufficiently strengthened since the departure of Pepe, Torres will be backed to shine, especially when one considers this is his first Champions League game ever, and the sounds coming from Liverpool suggest he is like a caged animal ready to explode. Porto watch out!.
PREDICTION
This game is a genuine hard one to call, for even many leading pundits are divided in their predications. Even so I believe that Liverpool will prevail, albeit narrowly, over Porto. Considering Porto are extremely hard to beat at home coupled with Liverpool’s notorious stubbornness, there are few who feel that many goals will be scored, although that is not to say it won’t be exciting.
With Quaresma on the pitch, possibly showcasing himself to potential suitors (one of which might be Rafa himself), and Torres’s inaugural European adventure there is much to be excited about, but in the end Liverpool will have too much quality in their squad and will probably secure a late winning result. FC Porto 1-2 Liverpool
Anthony Singh
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Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster's goal is clear: to defeat Werder Bremen at home in the first match of the Champions League. The pair clash at the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening, with a convincing win the only acceptable outcome for Madrid...
Bernd Schuster insists that his side need to end up with three points against Werder Bremen tomorrow night.
"We have to start strong and win every home match. That's our responsibility tomorrow," he told a press conference and Realmadrid.com this afternoon.
"The opponent may not have had a good start, but it makes little difference. They have worked under the same coach for many years and they have a clear-cut system."
However, he knows that the state of the Werder squad gives him cause for optimism.
"They have also lost some key players like Klose or Frings, who is injured," he added.
"They are key absences and the team is feeling the effect but that doesn't mean that those who play tomorrow won't go out their to prove they're a good team.
"We need to be cautious based on recent past experience. We have a huge responsibility and have to take a few similar to what we have been doing lately."
The coach emphasised that this match, as his Champions League managerial debut, is a special one.
"I feel very good and am looking forward to my first official Champions League match, especially being that it's against a German team here in the Santiago Bernabéu," he said.
"I have always enjoyed watching the finals of the Champions League since being a coach and I have always thought about being on the sideline for one. Now I'm working for a team that can get me there.
"I came close as a player and now as a coach. It must be a beautiful experience because those moments are more important than any amount of euros, dollars, or marks. That's why we have to push ourselves to the limit."
Regarding the team, he claims that Arjen Robben could make his Merengues debut tomorrow night, perhaps as a substitute, after completing his rehabilitaiton, before turning his attention towards central midfield.
Mamadou Diarra is out suspended, so Fernando Gago is set to take the central berth, giving a disctintly attacking flavour to the team.
"Gago can play that position. It's where he feels most comfortable," claimed Schuster.
"We built a squad that can avoid or improve problems that may arise from players being sent off, card accumulation, or injuries, and it's important that I know that Gago can play.
"I have all the faith in the world in him and Diarra, so I know we aren't losing any talent there. These are the moments when you realise how important it is to have a squad with enough talent to cover every single position."
Gabriel Heinze is considered doubtful for the tie and, given that Schuster is often reluctant to use the roving Royston Drenthe as a left-back, this raises questions ahead of the clash.
Schuster said, "We have three players who can cover that position: Heinze, Torres, and Marcelo, and I am counting on all three. We'll know how Heinze is later this afternoon, but I'll go with one of the others if he isn't ready.
"Having players who can play in different positions is important. Drenthe can play in several positions, and he had to play as a left back because you can't plan and organise everything in football."
Schuster didn't quite commit to winning the Champions League this season, but did state that he'd seek to 'make waves' in the competition.
"I am also interested in the League [as well as the CL], but we have to take one step at a time," he said.
"We want to make waves in the Champions League. We haven't been too lucky in recent years so we want to do well in all three competitions this season. Sevilla did it last year.
"We have to take on each match with all the serenity in the world. This club demands everything, and we've known it from day one."
Schuster was asked what aspects of the German team were worthy of particular attention.
He replied, "Diego is a key piece and an important player. We saw him last season. He's the leader of Werder Bremen now that Frings is out. Every attack goes through him and that's where we have to start.
"All teams focus on him because he is a dangerous passer and finisher. His teammates always look for him and he's Werder Bremen's most important player. We'll steer clear of problems if we take him out of the equation and we'll be able to create our own game if we take advantage of their defensive mistakes."
But the coach responded disdainfully to the idea that 'fear' would rule Madrid on Tuesday night.
"Don't exaggerate. Fear doesn't exist in football, and neither players nor coaches feel it. We've seen their last matches and came to conclusions that we need to keep in mind tomorrow.
"First, it's important that we have a full stadium tomorrow. Our preparation and the way we start the match will also play a role," concluded Schuster.
CL Preview: FC Porto – Liverpool
What: Champions League Group A
Who: Porto (1st PLiga, 12/12pts) v Liverpool (3rd EPL, 11/15pts)
When: Tuesday, 18 September, Kick-off: 19:45 local (BST)
Where: Estadio do Dragao, Porto
Fortress Dragao
FC Porto are an intriguing proposition in the Champions League. Having only won Europe’s premier trophy twice, the first in 1986/87 when it was known as the 'European Cup’ and the second, their still-memorable unlikely victory of the 2003/04 Champions League, they are not exactly exalted as a top European team of pedigree with a rich history.
However, they are still widely regarded as a dangerous opposition for they have always been great exponents of a style of traditional European football that wins games.
Whenever a team is drawn against Porto they know they are coming against a confident, committed team able to pass a ball until it is snuggly settled into the corner of your net. And this season’s Porto out-fit are no different.
Under the keen stewardship of Manuel Jesualdo Ferreira, Porto will go into their tough tie against Liverpool tomorrow with an impressive touch of form after four league wins out of four. The manner of their victories has also given their fans much to laud over, which hasn’t always been the case, especially under the current coach.
Nonetheless Liverpool presents a tougher task than any of their league opposition to date, but as defender Joao Paulo informed the media, it shall simply mean that the players will 'up their game' for what he believes will be a “major battle”.
Worryingly for Liverpool, FC Porto have somewhat chiseled a fortress out of their home ground. Since building work finished on their brand spanking new stadium in 2003, the Estadio do Dragao has become a daunting destination for Europe’s elite.
Starting with Jose Mourinho at the helm and running to the current coach, FC Porto have remained unbeaten against Europe’s elite teams when playing at home with notable names such as Chelsea, Lyon, Manchester United, Lazio and Inter Milan having already passed through the Dragao doors and left empty-handed. But then again the last team to beat Porto at the Dragao was tiny Artmedia Bratislava, so perhaps Rafa Benitez will be showing tapes of that game to inspire his players.
Nobody Likes Them, They Don’t Care
Liverpool FC’s successful history in Europe competitions is well-known and its impact far-reaching. Although their victorious jaunts in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s are repeatedly, and rightly, eulogized from most corners, the expectations this tradition mounts on subsequent players and managers can be mountainous.
Thankfully for the current crop of Kopites Rafa Benitez has broad shoulders and has, in his 3 year stint, reserved a space in the Red’s glorious Hall of Fame, with only a Premiership League trophy needed to cement that spot.
Having been Champions League finalists twice in three years (after years left in the dark), with only Portuguese giants Benfica (rather ominously) interrupting the run, Liverpool are renewed European thoroughbreds and thus are probably the most undesired opponents for any team in the tournament.
Many coaches and mangers around Europe have already frowned at the prospect of facing Liverpool in what is increasingly becoming, somewhat unfairly, a seemingly EU-wide held view that although Liverpool are European vintage, the current rigidly-built team leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
Not that Rafa or the Kop will care , for now with a defence that is resolute and unforgiving, bolstered with an action-packed midfield and expensively assembled front-line, the Reds will be one of the main favorites for the competition winner and therefore not ideal opponents for Porto’s opening European game this season.
Probably The Best Football Tournament In The World
Upon being asked one of the easiest questions he’ll most likely ever face, Sir Alex Ferguson, facing a packed media room, replied with an enormous smile and a very Scottish, “Oh Aye!”.
The question put to Ferguson was an attempt to gauge his level of excitement over this season’s Champions League beginning for proper in only a few days, to which the Manchester United boss further offered the view that the Champions League was probably the best football tournament in the world, even bigger than the World Cup.
Ferguson may have uttered football blasphemy but it is decidedly hard to disagree with his thoughts (even for a fervent World Cup advocate like myself) when one absorbs the huge prestige, spiraling money and vast viewer-ship the Champions League attracts.
Considering last season’s beaten finalists, Liverpool FC, are involved in this season’s tournament opening night against Porto, and the fact that they are also sponsored by the company to whom “Probably The Best…” is its rather ambitious tag-line, it seems apt that we should launch the 2007-2008 Champions League from a similarly skewered angle, although admittedly, one that is balanced only by a global display of gluttonous child-like bliss come this time in the football calendar.
So…with tissues at the ready to wipe away the pre-match anticipation induced foaming of the mouth, or the post-match tears in the middle of a “we’ll never win it!” rage (whichever you prefer) – lets all rub our hands together in glee as one mass of football-fanatics as the curtain is raised on the best football tournament in the world! (probably).
FORM GUIDE
Porto
15 Sept v Maritimo (H) WON 1-0 (Liga Bwin)
02 Sept v Uniao Leiria (A) WON 0-3 (Liga Bwin)
26 Aug v Sporting Lisbon (H) WON 1-0 (Liga Bwin)
18 Aug v Sporting Braga (A) WON 1-2 (Liga Bwin)
11 Aug v Sporting Lisbon (H) LOST 0-1 (Liga Super Cup)
Liverpool
15 Sept v Portsmouth (A) DREW 0-0 (Prem)
01 Sept v Derby (H) WON 6-0 (Prem)
28 Aug v Toulouse (H) WON 4-0 (CL Qualifying)
25 Aug v Sunderland (A) WON 0-2 (Prem)
19 Aug v Chelsea (H) DREW 1-1 (Prem)
TEAM NEWS
Porto
Thankfully for coach Ferreria he doesn’t have to contend with too many injury worries, although the couple of significant ones he will have to remedy might prove costly. At present first-choice goalkeeper Helton has still not recovered from a knee injury meaning Nuno Santo will start his third consecutive game.
There is scope to suggest that goalkeeping mainstay Helton may make a miraculous recovery, but if not Santo will have to face the most formidable forward line of his career. At the other end striker Adriano is a major doubt with a thigh strain, but in his absence Porto should still have enough creativity and firepower to trouble Liverpool.
Last Starting XI: Nuno Santo, Bosingwa, Joao Paulo, Bruno Alves, Cech, Lucho, Assuncao, Raul Meirless, Tarik, Lisandro, Quaresma
Liverpool
Rotation, rotation, rotation is at the heart of Mr. Benitez’s manifesto, and like it or not come 19:45 Tuesday it shall be no different. Andriy Voronin and Peter Crouch started up-front against Portsmouth last weekend so, following the trend that should mean Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt will start in Porto.
Otherwise Benitez only has three injury absentee’s with John Arne Riise still not sufficiently recovered from a groin strain picked up playing for Norway recently, whilst Momo Sissoko and long-term sidelined Harry Kewell join him on the list of players not making the trip.
On the plus side though Fabio Aurelio makes his return to the squad after long-standing ligament damage, although the Brazilian will probably make the bench rather a stating position. After a round of international games, clearly loathed by Benitez, a host of players might now be deemed fit enough to start, meaning Steven Gerrard will be expected to start in his favoured central-midfield berth.
Last Starting XI: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arebola, Pennant, Sissoko, Alonso, Benayoun, Voronin, Crouch
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Porto – Ricardo Quaresma
Even though the high-profile departures of Pepe to Real Madrid and Anderson to Manchester United bought much fortune to Porto, the best bit of business they have completed this summer is hanging on to their star winger. With so many attacking players leaving in another record-breaking period of summer transfers, the one bewildering element remains the lack of interest in Quaresma.
Many teams had made tentative gestures for the tricky attacker, yet none, to the public’s knowledge, made any serious offers. Nonetheless Porto fans are ecstatic that a player they believe to be better than Figo, Cristanio Ronaldo, Simao and Nani has stayed to showcase his abundance of skills at Porto for at least one more season.
Quaresma is usually deployed from either flank and is hugely effective whenever he plays. With pace, movement, dribbling speed, creative mind and an eye for goal, this wing-forward is a sublime footballing machine. Often temperamental but always a threat, he is so good that Marcelo Lippi was recently quoted as saying that if he ever made a return to club football he would be the first signing he would insist on.
Liverpool – Fernando Torres
More than his already impressive start to the league campaign, the lackluster performance from Voronin and Crouch this weekend highlighted the vital ingredients Torres brings to the forward line as well as Liverpool’s style of play as a whole. Able to trouble defenders with his back to goal equally as well as when he is played in behind, Torres has all the raw elements of a great striker, even if some question his natural goal-scoring instincts.
Against an average Porto defence that has not been sufficiently strengthened since the departure of Pepe, Torres will be backed to shine, especially when one considers this is his first Champions League game ever, and the sounds coming from Liverpool suggest he is like a caged animal ready to explode. Porto watch out!.
PREDICTION
This game is a genuine hard one to call, for even many leading pundits are divided in their predications. Even so I believe that Liverpool will prevail, albeit narrowly, over Porto. Considering Porto are extremely hard to beat at home coupled with Liverpool’s notorious stubbornness, there are few who feel that many goals will be scored, although that is not to say it won’t be exciting.
With Quaresma on the pitch, possibly showcasing himself to potential suitors (one of which might be Rafa himself), and Torres’s inaugural European adventure there is much to be excited about, but in the end Liverpool will have too much quality in their squad and will probably secure a late winning result. FC Porto 1-2 Liverpool
Anthony Singh
This preview has been brought to you as soon as possible by Goal.com. As our previews reach you before most others, some information may change. Please check the bottom of the page for any late changes. Thank you.
goal.com
Its gonna be very good match 
Messi Recovers To Face Lyon
Lionel Messi missed Sunday's stalemate with Osasuna but has rejoined the main Barcelona squad for training ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Lyon. Accordingly, he's fit to play...
Lionel Messi has joined up with the full Barcelona squad after missing Sunday's 0-0 draw with Osasuna.
With Samuel Eto'o also out, Barca started with Giovani dos Santos, Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry up front, but couldn't quite break down a stubborn Pamplonan side.
Now, coach Frank Rijkaard will hope that the diminutive Argentina international can provide a bit of spark that Barca have lacked of late.
The blaugrana have scored just one goal from open play this season, Yaya Toure striking a long range effort at home against Athletic - a shot that may or may not have crossed the line - while the remaining two came from set-pieces.
Carles Puyol and Samuel Eto'o remain out, of course, but Puyol has returned to training recently while Eto'o should be back in action before the end of October.
Yaya Toure: Let's Not Underestimate Lyon
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure faced Lyon once last season as a Monaco player and is now preparing to do so again for the blaugrana. The Ivorian ace now insists that his teammates can't afford to be complacent as they welcome Les Gones on Wednesday...
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure claims that Lyon are not to be underestimated as the French side visits the Nou Camp for Wednesday's Champions League clash, but that Barca can still pull off the win.
"I believe that it'll be a very even match," he told the official Barcelona website. "But we have the desire to show that we're ready for Europe's top competition.
"With the signings we have made and the effort put in by the board of directors, we're eager to win the titles."
The 24 year old knows that Lyon have been slightly weakened by summer exits - including Eric Abidal's switch to the Nou Camp - but that their own signings and general talents cannot be ruled out.
He mused, "It's a team diminished a bit by the exit of some important players, like Thiago for example.
"Nonetheless, I believe that Olympique remain a very good side, and I think it'll be a very difficult match."
Lyon have overcome a poor start to the season to climb to joint second in Ligue 1, a revelation that has not surprised Yaya at all.
He added, "I know about all the players, even those that they've signed recently, and believe that they have a collective force that you just cannot underestimate.
"It's strange. I've only just arrived at Barca and already I'm about to face France's top team again. It'll be an enjoyable occasion."
Toure has scored one Liga goal thus far, a controversial long-range effort against Athletic.
goal.com
Messi Recovers To Face Lyon
Lionel Messi missed Sunday's stalemate with Osasuna but has rejoined the main Barcelona squad for training ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Lyon. Accordingly, he's fit to play...
Lionel Messi has joined up with the full Barcelona squad after missing Sunday's 0-0 draw with Osasuna.
With Samuel Eto'o also out, Barca started with Giovani dos Santos, Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry up front, but couldn't quite break down a stubborn Pamplonan side.
Now, coach Frank Rijkaard will hope that the diminutive Argentina international can provide a bit of spark that Barca have lacked of late.
The blaugrana have scored just one goal from open play this season, Yaya Toure striking a long range effort at home against Athletic - a shot that may or may not have crossed the line - while the remaining two came from set-pieces.
Carles Puyol and Samuel Eto'o remain out, of course, but Puyol has returned to training recently while Eto'o should be back in action before the end of October.
Yaya Toure: Let's Not Underestimate Lyon
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure faced Lyon once last season as a Monaco player and is now preparing to do so again for the blaugrana. The Ivorian ace now insists that his teammates can't afford to be complacent as they welcome Les Gones on Wednesday...
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure claims that Lyon are not to be underestimated as the French side visits the Nou Camp for Wednesday's Champions League clash, but that Barca can still pull off the win.
"I believe that it'll be a very even match," he told the official Barcelona website. "But we have the desire to show that we're ready for Europe's top competition.
"With the signings we have made and the effort put in by the board of directors, we're eager to win the titles."
The 24 year old knows that Lyon have been slightly weakened by summer exits - including Eric Abidal's switch to the Nou Camp - but that their own signings and general talents cannot be ruled out.
He mused, "It's a team diminished a bit by the exit of some important players, like Thiago for example.
"Nonetheless, I believe that Olympique remain a very good side, and I think it'll be a very difficult match."
Lyon have overcome a poor start to the season to climb to joint second in Ligue 1, a revelation that has not surprised Yaya at all.
He added, "I know about all the players, even those that they've signed recently, and believe that they have a collective force that you just cannot underestimate.
"It's strange. I've only just arrived at Barca and already I'm about to face France's top team again. It'll be an enjoyable occasion."
Toure has scored one Liga goal thus far, a controversial long-range effort against Athletic.
goal.com
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