"Francesco Farioli's side need to win on Thursday to get into the Europa League's top eight and straight through to the last 16, as they sit ninth on goal difference as it stands. That gives the 36-year-old Italian reason to play his strongest side as they also aim to stretch their unbeaten run to 12 games, having won 10 of their last 11."
"Porto's biggest strength is their defence. Arsenal loanee Jakub Kiwior and former Southampton centre-half Jan Bednarek, along with Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, have been the bedrock of a strong unit. They have also recruited 41-year-old Champions League winner Thiago Silva to their ranks, although he cannot be registered before the knockout stage after his switch from Fluminense. Nonetheless, the Primeira Liga leaders have conceded just four goals in 19 league matches this season and have kept seven clean sheets in their last 11 games."
Porto need a win to reach the Europa League top eight and qualify directly for the last 16, sitting ninth on goal difference. Francesco Farioli is likely to select his strongest side as Porto aim to extend an 11-game unbeaten run. The defensive unit, with Jakub Kiwior, Jan Bednarek and Diogo Costa, has conceded only four league goals in 19 matches and kept seven clean sheets in the last 11. Thiago Silva has been recruited but is ineligible before the knockout stage. Samu Aghehowa has 20 goals and Borja Sainz adds attacking threat. Rangers are already eliminated and on a five-match away losing run in European competition.
Read at www.bbc.com
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