FC Porto will host French-side, Nice later today for the Matchday 5 of the UEFA Europa League’s League Phase. Porto have been in great shape after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last month, the only defeat out of their last 17 games across all competitions this season. Their start to this season has been bright regardless, as they have gathered seven points after four games – two wins and a draw. Their run of just a loss in their last 11 home games should profère enough momentum to propel their ambitions of finishing in the top eight of the UEL league standings, thereby securing an automatic spot in the last 16.
Meanwhile, Nice are under a torrid time as Friday’s 5-1 loss to Marseille raised their losses tally to fourth across all competitions. They’ve faced a woeful run now includes 14 main draw European matches without a win with 10 losses and 4 draws, the worst ever such run by a French-side. Nice is only one of two teams to lose their first four league phase games alongside Rangers.
Head-to-Head & Stats
This meeting will be the first ever between the two sides, but Nice is no stranger to Portuguese clubs as they had already lost against Benfica in a two-legged UEFA Champions League qualifier this season.
Ten of Porto’s 14 wins have been accompanied by clean sheets. Meanwhile Nice has conceded at least one goal in the first half in their last three UEL games.
Possible Line ups & Injuries
FC Porto (4-3-3):
Costa (G),
Costa A.
Rosario
Kiwior
Moura
Froholdt
Varela
Veiga
Pepé
Samu
Gül D.
Nice (5-4-1):
Diouf (G)
Clauss
Mendy
Dante
Bard
Abdi
Cho
Vanhoutte
Sanson
Diop
Moffi
Porto may have defender Jan Bedbarek on the lineup today after suffering a minor knee issue, while Nice are expected to be without talisman Hicham Boudaoui who picked up an injury while on international duty.
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