Match Preview :

Porto goes into this match knowing they must get only one result that is to beat Zenit St. Petersburg on home soil and keep their tradition of reaching the UEFA Champions League group stages. For the record, Porto have not failed to advance from this round since the 2005/06 season.

Porto are top of the Portuguese League separated by goal difference with Benfica, however their position is not as strong as it seems. It has to be said that Porto have dropped six points in 11 league matches, that is as many as they did in the whole of last season! An early exit from the Champions League could be disastrous for them.

Porto manager Vitor Pereira knows how important this game is if they are to continue in the Champions League. He was quoted as saying that Zenit have an Italian style as the team defend well but like to attack with a lot of people and stretch play over the whole field.

He went on further to state that he believes based on the competence, responsibility and team spirit they have enough to beat Zenit tonight.

Meanwhile, second-placed Zenit arrive in Portugal requiring only a point to secure their maiden appearance in the last 16 of European's premier club competition.

As it is now, Luciano Spalletti's side are currently on a 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions, recording eight victories since losing to Group G leaders APOEL Nicosia in their first Champions League outing in mid-September.

Team News :

Porto will be without Fredy Guarin due to a calf injury, while Nicolas Otamendi, Alvaro Pereira and James Rodríguez are one booking away from a suspension.

For Zenit, striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov has been absent with an ankle injury for the past two months, while Domenico Criscito and Tomas Hubocan are just one more booking away from a ban.

Predictions :

Take Porto to win here and give the 3/4 ball.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Porto 2-0 Zenit St. Petersburg

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Porto to win.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Main Bet:
Take Porto and give the 3/4 ball.