In the game of the weekend in Portugal FC Porto and Marítimo go head to head in the last round of matches before the Christmas break.
Marítimo have been one of the sensations of the 2010/11 season in Portugal. The Madeira team are lying 5th in the table and the narrow defeat to Benfica last weekend was only the islanders' second loss all season.
However, Marítimo coach Pedro Martins has to cope with a raft of absentees. Right back Rúben Ferreira is out injured, while first-team regulars Roberto Sousa, Rafael Miranda and Olberdam are all suspended for the match.
"Despite our missing men, we will make no excuses," said Martins. "We'll go into the match with the intention of getting a good result, which means attempting to win the three points."
Porto have produced much improved displays of late. Nevertheless, the Dragons are under pressure after Benfica's win at home to Rio Ave last night.
Only three points will ensure the Portuguese champions can enjoy the Christmas break in joint top position.
Porto coach Vítor Pereira did not reveal whether star man Hulk would continue to play at centre-forward or would revert to his more usual position on the right flank.
"Will Hulk play as a striker or out wide? What I want is the collective unit working to enable the individuals to shine. I want a dynamic collective to enable the players to show all their quality," said Pereira.
Kick-off at 8.30pm local time at the Estádio do Dragão.
However, Marítimo coach Pedro Martins has to cope with a raft of absentees. Right back Rúben Ferreira is out injured, while first-team regulars Roberto Sousa, Rafael Miranda and Olberdam are all suspended for the match.
"Despite our missing men, we will make no excuses," said Martins. "We'll go into the match with the intention of getting a good result, which means attempting to win the three points."
Porto have produced much improved displays of late. Nevertheless, the Dragons are under pressure after Benfica's win at home to Rio Ave last night.
Only three points will ensure the Portuguese champions can enjoy the Christmas break in joint top position.
Porto coach Vítor Pereira did not reveal whether star man Hulk would continue to play at centre-forward or would revert to his more usual position on the right flank.
"Will Hulk play as a striker or out wide? What I want is the collective unit working to enable the individuals to shine. I want a dynamic collective to enable the players to show all their quality," said Pereira.
Kick-off at 8.30pm local time at the Estádio do Dragão.
