The weekend action in Portugal kicks off with a family affair, as FC Porto coach Vítor Pereira prepares to face Paços de Ferreira, who are coached by his brother-in-law, Luís Miguel.
“Family business stays at home. We are brothers-in-law, we are friends, but we are two honest and honorable professionals. We defend our clubs with body and soul,” said Paços coach Luís Miguel, when asked about the unusual situation.
After a torrid start to his managerial career at Paços, things have taken a turn for the better for Miguel. Four straight defeats in his first four games have been followed by wins in his last two matches, including last week’s victory against high-flying Académica.
As for FC Porto, the jury is still out as regards their start to 2011/12. A poor start to their Champions League campaign, compounded by the fact the Dragons are coming off such a memorable season, have combined to raise doubts surrounding the suitability of Vitor Pereira as a worthy successor to André Villas-Boas.
However, closer inspection of his record renders the criticism coming his way somewhat unfair. In the Liga ZON Sagres Porto are joint top having won six and drawn two of their eight games.
What’s more, they have been scoring for fun. The 22 goals hit so far this season is the most goals scored after eight matches since way back in 1951! Hardly a crisis then, that some analysts have been suggesting.
Otamendi and Fucile are again left out of what is an otherwise full-strength Porto squad.
Kick off at the Estádio do Dragão at 8.15pm local time.
After a torrid start to his managerial career at Paços, things have taken a turn for the better for Miguel. Four straight defeats in his first four games have been followed by wins in his last two matches, including last week’s victory against high-flying Académica.
As for FC Porto, the jury is still out as regards their start to 2011/12. A poor start to their Champions League campaign, compounded by the fact the Dragons are coming off such a memorable season, have combined to raise doubts surrounding the suitability of Vitor Pereira as a worthy successor to André Villas-Boas.
However, closer inspection of his record renders the criticism coming his way somewhat unfair. In the Liga ZON Sagres Porto are joint top having won six and drawn two of their eight games.
What’s more, they have been scoring for fun. The 22 goals hit so far this season is the most goals scored after eight matches since way back in 1951! Hardly a crisis then, that some analysts have been suggesting.
Otamendi and Fucile are again left out of what is an otherwise full-strength Porto squad.
Kick off at the Estádio do Dragão at 8.15pm local time.
