Porto are unbeaten in the Champions League so far, and their three victories have ensured they’re through into the knockout phase with two rounds still to play. However, they won’t want to take their foot off the pedal just yet, as they’re only two points clear of Shakhtar Donetsk atop Group H. They’ll head to Belarus to play BATE on Tuesday looking to seal top spot.
BATE Borisov vs. FC Porto, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview
BATE need to beat Porto on Tuesday to stand any chance of reaching the Champions League knockout phase.
However, BATE aren’t going to roll over and make life easy for their visitors. Currently sitting down in third place, five points adrift of Shakhtar Donetsk who occupy the second progression spot, they know they need to win to stand any chance of making the knockout phase. Even if they do manage to pull off an upset at beat Porto, they need to hope Athletic Bilbao beat Shakhtar to keep their dream of progression alive.
Key player - Yacine Brahimi (Porto)
Algerian attacker Yacine Brahimi has been an excellent signing for the Portuguese outfit, having scored four games in as many Champions League games so far this season. Cutting in off the left flank, he’s a nightmare for opposing defences, and BATE will need to keep him quiet if they want to keep their sheet clean.
Key matchup - BATE’s defence vs. a full-scale capitulation
BATE have actually managed to pick up one win in the Champions League so far, stunning Athletic Bilbao 2-1 at home. However, in their other matches they’ve been totally humiliated, having been beaten 6-0 by Porto and 12-0 by Shakhtar on aggregate over their two meetings. They’ll be hoping their defence fares rather better this time around.
BATE injuries and suspensions
Out: Anri Khagush (suspended). In doubt: Egor Filipenko (hamstring).
Porto injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
BATE will certainly be without suspended defender Anri Khagush, though are hoping to have his defensive counterpart Egor Filipenko back after a hamstring injury. Porto, meanwhile, should be able to field a full-strength lineup.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Borisov Arena, Borisov, Belarus
TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Directv (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Belarus 2 (Belarus), Sport TV1 (Portugal)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 Online-App (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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