Porto vs. Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti's side were relatively untroubled in their opening three European ties this season, winning them all without conceding a goal, but leaking a late equaliser to Atletico Madrid in their last outing has proved an inconvenience that the manager and his squad could have done without.

Not that a visit to Porto should prove overwhelming, especially as a draw would still leave Chelsea as firm favourites to progress to the last 16 as group winners - a scenario that should ensure an easier draw when the competition re-starts in February - given that their last tie is a home game against Apoel Nicosia, the Cyprus champions. But it would be a surprise if they did not go for the jugular against Porto, especially as their injury problems are clearing.

Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Deco could all feature for Chelsea against Porto after missing the Wolves game through injury.

Ricardo Carvalho could also feature against his former side whilst Gael Kakuta, who put in an excellent display from the bench against Wolves, could also take part in the game.

However, Frank Lampard and Jose Bosingwa will both be out of the tie.

On the other hand, the Portuguese champions have made a solid, if relatively unspectacular, start to their domestic season. They currently sit third in the Portuguese league, five points adrift of leaders Benfica after a surprise defeat in their last game at Maritimo, but for the first time this season coach Jesualdo Ferreira has a full squad at his disposal.

Also, his players are rested after their Portuguese Cup game last weekend was postponed.

A question remains over the match fitness of some key players, however.

Argentine playmaker Fernando Belluschi, who hasn't played for a month, is expected to return to the three-man midfield alongside Fernando and Raul Meireles.

Uruguayan Cristian Rodriguez has been in and out of the team due to injury and uneven form, but he could take the left flank with Brazilian international Hulk on the right and Colombia international Radamel Falcao at center-forward. Of Porto's five goals in the competition, Hulk and Falcao have scored two each.