Time: 9:00pm
Date:6th March
Stadium: Estadio do Dragao
Aggregate 1 - 2
Team News & Tactics
Porto
Striker Vincent Aboubakar is the only notable injury-enforced absentee for Sergio Conceicao’s side heading into Wednesday’s game. Jesus Manuel Corona, who was suspended for the first leg in Rome, is back in contention for selection. Porto are expected to take the field in a 4-4-2 setup, like they did in the previous meeting.
Former Spanish international and Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas will continue in goal for Porto and will be shielded by a back four comprising of Eder Militao and Alex Telles as the full-backs, with Felipe and Pepe lining up at the heart of the defence. The full-backs will be in for a stern test, given the quality of attackers that Roma possess.
Danilo Pereira, who was benched for the Benfica game, will return to the starting XI in the middle of the park and will be paired up with Hector Herrera. Both the midfielders will be key in disrupting Roma’s rhythm and setting their team away on attacks.
Otavio, who has 5 goals and 8 assists this term, should get the nod ahead of Corona on the right flank, while Yacine Brahimi is a guaranteed starter out on the left. The duo will be Porto’s primary attacking outlets and will be tasked with creating opportunities for the strike partnership of Moussa Marega and Tiquinho Soares, both of whom have 16 goals each this term.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Casillas; Militao, Felipe, Pepe, Telles; Otavio, Pereira, Herrera, Brahimi; Marega, Soares;
AS Roma
The last season’s semifinalists have no major injury concerns heading into their trip to Portugal either. Kostas Manolas was not risked in the derby against Lazio, but could be in line to feature at the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday night. Cengiz Under has not been named in the squad, however, as he is being eased back into action after his recent injury.
Summer signing Robin Olsen is likely to start between the sticks ahead of Antonio Mirante who has featured in the last two European encounters for the visitors. Alessandro Florenzi is expected to start at right-back once again, ahead of Rick Karsdorp, while Aleksandar Kolarov, who was sent off against Lazio, will continue at left-back against the Portuguese giants.
Manolas is expected to return to the starting lineup at the centre of the backline, replacing Juan Jesus. Federico Fazio will partner the Greek international and look to stand tall against the physical threat offered by Marega and Tiquinho.
No changes are expected in the middle of the park, however, with seasoned campaigner and club captain Daniele De Rossi acting as the defensive shield. The 35-year-old will be supported by Bryan Cristante, while Lorenzo Pellegrini will take up the third midfield slot and look to provide the forward thrust.
Edin Dzeko is the undisputed choice to lead the line for the Giallorossi, while the goalscorer from the first leg, Nicolo Zaniolo is a guaranteed starter out on the right flank. On the left-side of the attacking trident, Stephan El Shaarawy is likely to get the nod ahead of Justin Kluivert and Diego Perotti.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Olsen; Florenzi, Fazio, Manolas, Kolarov; Cristante, De Rossi, Pellegrini; Zaniolo, Dzeko, El Shaarawy;
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