View from the Opposition: A Porto fan talks

Roma prepare to take on Porto in the second leg of the playoff round, we sat down with Simon from @FCPortoGlobal once again to chat about the return game.

What were your thoughts on the 1-1 draw in the first leg of this playoff tie?

“Roma came out very strong and prepared. Their more experienced midfield controlled the opening 30 minutes of the match very well. Nuno's surprise change to a 4-4-2 failed early because Roma closed down Porto's passing in the middle.

“Porto were lucky not to concede more than one, but the one they did end up scoring was unfortunate for Felipe. The tide was obviously turned late in the first half when Vermaelen's rash challenge got him sent off. The 1-1 result was quite fair, despite a second half onslaught of attacks from Porto on 10-man Roma. The tie is certainly open for any team.”

Porto are now two games into their domestic season and currently sit top of the table, has it been an impressive start?

“It's been an expected start, but shooting quality must improve. Estoril held out well for over 80 minutes at the weekend as Porto fired wide. Maybe the players had some heavy legs from facing Roma, but Andre Silva was finally able to turn in a cross towards the back post at the end.

“Porto's midfield fluidity has also surprisingly struggled, considering the quality available. Sergio Oliveira has now returned from Rio 2016 duty to bolster that area. But overall there are many positive signs going into the week three of the season and all players look motivated to win.”

Which players have come out the blocks at the start of the season with the best performances?

“Certainly Andre Silva and Otavio Monteiro. Portugal have not bred a striker with Andre Silva's quality in many, many years. There's excitement across the country as he's expected to take the jump in the Portugal main squad this year as well. Andre Silva is currently on an 11-game goalscoring streak, including pre-season & the final two matches of last season.

“It's been 20 years since a Portuguese striker has scored in five straight official games. Otavio returned after spending last season on loan at Vitoria SC, sharpening his vision and technical ability. Originally playing the attacking midfield role, Nuno has him operating on the left wing to utilise his quality crosses.”

Roma grabbing an away goal means Porto have to come out and score in Italy, do you think Porto’s tactical setup will mirror this?

“Porto will always look to score, no matter the stadium, it's in the club's footballing philosophy to attack. I can predict Nuno will again attempt a 4-4-2 in hopes of holding off Roma scoring early then taking a gamble in the second half.”

Would this season be a failure already if Porto don’t qualify for the Champions League?

“No, Porto have had much success in the Europa League recently and the fans still enjoy it. The lack of funds the Champions League provides would certainly hurt the club's budget, but the main priority of the players and fans is to win the league. Going four years without a league title is certainly unthinkable at Porto. The league is No. 1 to Porto.”

What’s your score prediction?

“2-2. Porto to qualify.”

Follow @FCPortoGlobal and @JamesGooderson on Twitter.