Porto travel to Nicosia to face an APOEL side knowing that victory could seal a place in the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League. Porto will advance should they win and Club Atlético de Madrid fail to beat Chelsea FC in Tuesday's other Group D game.
But after his team only narrowly overcame the Cypriot champions on Matchday 3, and were then held 1-1 by CF Os Belenenses on Friday, coach Ferreira does only improvements in performances could help his side overcome their opponents.
The Portuguese champions survived a scare on Matchday 3 after Álvaro Pereira's 22nd-minute own goal put APOEL in front. Hulk levelled eleven minutes later before scoring what proved the winner from the penalty spot three minutes after half-time. The victory gives Porto a five-point cushion in second place in Group D, with APOEL third.
APOEL are boosted by their weekend win away to Aris Limassol. APOEL have lost only twice at home in 25 matches – a run spanning 21 wins and two draws – since a 4-1 defeat by FC Schalke 04 in the UEFA Cup first round in September 2008. APOEL have conceded just five goals in their last nine games in all competitions.
On the injury front Adrian Sikora (knee), Marcin Zewlakow (calf) are out of action. Paulo Jorge (leg muscle tear), Altin Haxhi (calf), Kamil Kosowski (knee) are doubtful for the clash.
Porto are without Diego Valeri (ankle), Fucile (thigh), Miguel Lopes (thigh) & Silvestre Varela (thigh) through injury. Mariano González is suspended after picking up bookings in earlier games.
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