Porto manager Martin Anselmi is expected to maintain his preferred back-three system as his team prepares to face Roma in the first leg of their Europa League playoff. The Portuguese side will likely line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with goalkeeper Diogo Costa anchoring the defence.
Porto will be without Ivan Marcano, Marko Grujic, and Martim Fernandes, all sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, the team can no longer rely on Nico Gonzalez, who scored the decisive goal in their final group-stage match before transferring to Manchester City.
Up front, star striker Samu Aghehowa will aim to rediscover his scoring touch. Though the Spain international has gone six games without a goal, he remains a key player for Porto, having already scored five times in this season’s Europa League. Supporting him could be teenage sensation Rodrigo Mora, who continues to impress with his dynamic performances.
In defence, Brazilian center-back Otavio returns from suspension and is expected to reclaim his spot in the starting XI, potentially pushing Ze Pedro out of the lineup.
Disciplinary concerns also loom over both squads. For Porto, forward Danny Namaso risks missing the second leg if he receives a yellow card. On Roma’s side, Mats Hummels and Alexis Saelemaekers are in a similar position and will need to tread carefully during Thursday’s clash.
Roma manager Claudio Ranieri is set to bring back several key players who were rested over the weekend. Leandro Paredes and Alexis Saelemaekers are expected to return to the starting XI, alongside midfielder Manu Kone, who missed the previous match against Venezia due to suspension. Recent signings Devyne Rensch and Victor Nelsson are available for selection, but Lucas Gourna-Douath and Anass Salah-Eddine have been left off Roma’s UEFA squad list.
Both teams face high stakes as they look to gain an advantage in this crucial knockout tie. With Porto relying on their home support and Roma bringing back fresh legs, the stage is set for an intense battle at Estádio do Dragão.
Porto (3-4-2-1): Costa; Djalo, Perez, Otavio; Mario, Eustaquio, Varela, Moura; Pepe, Mora; Aghehowa
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino; Dybala, Pisilli; Dovbyk
