Marseille v Porto preview
Marseille v Porto live on Sky Sports Xtra from 7.45pm
By Chris Harvey. Last Updated: October 24, 2007 11:38am
Taye Taiwo: Back in side
Marseille will be looking to continue their perfect start in UEFA Champions League Group A when they take on Porto on Wednesday.
A win will take Erik Gerets' side five points clear at the top of the group but the French outfit will be without centre-back Julien Rodriguez for the game.
The experienced defender picked up a thigh injury in Sunday's 1-0 triumph over RC Lens, Marseille's first home success in Ligue 1 this season and a result that lifted them out of the relegation zone.
Karim Ziani also picked up a knock in that encounter, to join Samir Nasri and goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso on the sidelines.
Challenge
Left-back Taye Taiwo is available after suspension, which should mean Gael Givet returning to central defence.
Gerets believes the Portuguese will provide a stern challenge as they look to claim top spot themselves.
The Belgian coach said: "It's going to be difficult but even difficult things can be achieved.
"Porto's style of play is well-known: it's all about good technique, speed and a solid defence. They also have individuals like Ricardo Quaresma who are capable of turning a game, but we'll have our own chances. The most important thing is not to lose."
Full-backs Bosingwa and Fucile have been passed fit for the visitors, while former Spurs striker Helder Postiga returns from a knee injury to boost the attack.
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Matches
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UEFA Champions League
Wed 24th Oct - Group B
Wed 24th Oct - Group C
Wed 24th Oct - Group A
Wed 24th Oct - Group D
Tables
UEFA Champions League Group A
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paris St Germain | 6 | 15 |
| 2 | FC Porto | 6 | 13 |
| 3 | Dynamo Kiev | 6 | 5 |
| 4 | Dinamo Zagreb | 6 | 1 |
UEFA Champions League Group B
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schalke | 6 | 12 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 6 | 10 |
| 3 | Olympiakos FC | 6 | 9 |
| 4 | Montpellier | 6 | 2 |
UEFA Champions League Group C
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malaga | 6 | 12 |
| 2 | AC Milan | 6 | 8 |
| 3 | Zenit St. Petersburg | 6 | 7 |
| 4 | Anderlecht | 6 | 5 |
UEFA Champions League Group D
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Borussia Dortmund | 6 | 14 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 6 | 11 |
| 3 | Ajax | 6 | 4 |
| 4 | Manchester City | 6 | 3 |
UEFA Champions League Group E
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juventus | 6 | 12 |
| 2 | Shakhtar Donetsk | 6 | 10 |
| 3 | Chelsea | 6 | 10 |
| 4 | FC Nordsjaelland | 6 | 1 |
UEFA Champions League Group F
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayern Munich | 6 | 13 |
| 2 | Valencia | 6 | 13 |
| 3 | BATE Borisov | 6 | 6 |
| 4 | Lille | 6 | 3 |
UEFA Champions League Group G
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona | 6 | 13 |
| 2 | Celtic | 6 | 10 |
| 3 | Benfica | 6 | 8 |
| 4 | Spartak Moscow | 6 | 3 |
UEFA Champions League Group H
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester United | 6 | 12 |
| 2 | Galatasaray | 6 | 10 |
| 3 | CFR Cluj-Napoca | 6 | 10 |
| 4 | Braga | 6 | 3 |
Julien Rodriguez
Cedric Carrasso
Karim Ziani
