View from the Opposition: FC Porto

De Sousa analyses the club's summer transfer market activity, how pre-season has gone so far, and assesses how Nuno Espirito Santo may set his side out for both legs of the tie.

The writer also reveals which of Spalletti’s players he’d happily take ahead of Wednesday night’s game...

Porto are the second most successful club in Portugal and are almost always in the Champions League. How have they looked during pre-season?

"Porto had a typical pre-season: they won most of their games, rotated through many players but found their XI by the final two or three matches. They spent a couple weeks preparing in Germany and Holland, and the pre-season was capped off with a 1-0 win over Villarreal at their presentation match.

"As a matter of fact, Porto opened their league campaign on Friday by defeating Rio Ave away from home 3-1. The new players, especially in defence, are still getting used to each other."

What kind of transfer window have Porto had this summer?

"It's actually been filled with more rumour than action. Porto president Pinto da Costa said a few months ago the squad wouldn't be 'revolutionised'. Besides the new coach Nuno, Porto brought in Felipe (centre-back, Corinthians), Alex Telles (left-back, Galatasaray), João Teixeira (midfielder, Liverpool) and Laurent Depoitre (striker, Gent).

"Also, Diego Reyes, Otavio and Adrian Lopez re-joined after being away on loan last season.

"But Porto have a lot of 'dead weight' to transfer out. Brahimi & Aboubakar, regulars from last season, have been excluded by Nuno & will leave. As will Josue, Hernani & Bruno Martins Indi."

Which player could make an impact this season?

"Andre Silva. The young Portuguese striker began to emerge at the end of last season, capped off with a brace in the Portuguese Cup final (which Porto unfortunately lost on penalties). It's been many years since any Portuguese striker has emerged and all signs are showing that he's ready to carrying the weight of the position.

"Strength, aerial ability and work ethic are some of the reasons he's found himself in the No. 9 spot. Silva scored scored goals in six pre-season games and also scored on a penalty rebound in Porto's opening league match."

From a tactical perspective, what system do you think Porto will play against Roma?

"In the first leg, where Porto will be at home, it will surely be their classic 4-3-3 attacking formation. This is the leg where Porto must try to go up several goals on aggregate. Should they be successful, it's likely a more closed 4-4-2 will be played in the return leg in Rome."

What have you made of Roma’s pre-season and transfer dealings?

"They haven't played as many games at Porto thus far, although they did beat Klopp's Liverpool 2-1. A key player was lost in Miralem Pjanic, while Gerson is a very talented prospect but not yet settled into European football.

"Vermaelen and Rudiger could be a solid duo for Spaletti, whose teams I find struggle to defend, a bit like Porto."

Who is the Roma player most FC Porto fans fear?

"Years ago, the answer would have been Totti, who is still a very admirable player. Surely now it's Salah, a very quick and dynamic goalscorer."

If you could add one Roma player to FC Porto, who would you pick and why?

"Antonio Rudiger, a defender who actually was once linked to Porto. He has great pace and positioning, and doesn't find the need to slide into many tackles. I would pick him because Porto need another centre-back."

What’s your score prediction for FC Porto v AS Roma?

"I'll say this, both teams will win their home games. It will possibly come down to away goals."

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