An inconsistent Porto travels to Russia to take on Zenit St. Petersburg in a match that is very much all or nothing for the visitors.

Zenit will host Porto in the first Champions League match of the day.Preview: With Witsel back, Zenit looks to distance themselves from Porto

Currently second in their group with just four points from three matches, Zenit St. Petersburg has a chance to put some distance between themselves and Porto. A match in Russia after a slender 0-1 victory at the Estádio do Dragão should give Spalletti's squad a good chance of earning points.

Due to Zenit's appeal of Axel Witsel's two match suspension, UEFA has changed the suspension to one match, which will now allow him to play on Wednesday. The Belgian's presence in the midfield will be felt, especially considering his knowledge of the visitors from his time in the Portuguese League.

 

Both sides come into this match dealing with some domestic inconsistencies, but they will need to put that all aside once the first whistle goes.

Porto looked very impressive just two weeks ago against Sporting CP, but in their latest match against Belenenses, they were unable to earn more than a one goal draw. Lack of speed and creativity going forward hurt the Dragões, but that is something they will need to change against Zenit.

After two consecutive home defeats against Atletico Madrid and Zenit, Porto really needs the three points, if they want to depend on themselves. A draw would still mathematically give them a chance of progressing, but they would be dependent on other results. Meanwhile, a defeat would leave the Portuguese champions with three points, with just two matches remaining.

Paulo Fonseca is well aware of how important the full three points are, and he is certain that his players are also aware of that.

"Every match is important for Porto," Fonseca told reporters on Tuesday. "But this one is important due to our last two results. We are forced to win this match."

"Although it is an important match for both sides, it still does not settle anything. Despite knowing that it is going to be a difficult match, our players are fully focused and aware of our need to come away with a positive result, which will give us a chance to still have a chance of progressing."

For Zenit's manager, Spalletti knows Porto is looking for the win, but he too is not settling for just a draw.

"I'm not sure what my colleague Paulo Fonseca is thinking, but I think tactics are not that useful," said the Italian manager. "The players quality and creativity will be the deciding factor. The only result that matters to us is the victory. Every match that I take part in is to win."

Some of the Porto players will once again encounter Hulk, who spent some years at the Portuguese club, and also won a number of titles. Despite his admiration and love for Porto, the Brazilian is only focused on helping Zenit.

"I grew up in Porto and won titles there, so for me these are extra special matches," Hulk said in a press conference. "But tomorrow will be a decisive match for Zenit, which is what makes it extra special."

Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores

Watch Zenit St. Petersburg vs FC Porto live on Wednesday, November 6, 2013:

In Canada at 12:00 ET on: Sportsnet World, Sportsnet World Online

In the UK at 17:00 BST on: Sky Sports Events Centre, Sky Go UK, Sky Sports 4/HD, NOW TV Powered by Sky, Sky Sports Red Button

In the USA at 12:00 ET on: FOX Deportes, Fox Soccer 2Go, SiriusXM FC, Fox Soccer Plus

If you are outside of these mentioned areas, do not forget to visit the Zenit St. Petersburg vs FC Porto match page for full TV listings.