5th March : UEFA Champions League (Part 1)

Porto vs. Schalke
Estadio do Dragão
5th March, 19:45

Porto will go into this one shocked at being behind, but full of confidence in their abilities to turn the tide. The home advantage will play a big factor, with Porto losing just one home game in the Champions League this season. Porto’s players are mostly rested are having the weekend off, whilst a recent win took them into the semi-final of the Portugese Cup. Porto are a side full of confidence.
Schalke know that if they score one, Porto will need three. Therefore, I have to think the German side will go out to nick the early goal, with long balls angled up to Kuranyi, testing Porto’s line of defence. Schalke recently lost to Bayern, and now must look to the Champions League to get some relief for their under-fire manager.
Bosingwa is back for Porto, and Lopez is believed to be feeling fit also. Raul Meireles has recovered from an injury, so should return to the midfield.
Schalke are missing three key players ; Pander, Bajramovic and Grossmuller. We believe Asamoah will play behind target man Kuranyi.
Poro are rock solid at home, but a win may not be good enough to put them through. Schalke will pack the midfield and play counter attacks. Kuranyi will be key.

Prediction

Porto 2 : 1 Schalke

Porto to win on the night,
Schalke to go through (2-2 away goals)