 The Anfield boss has set out his stall by declaring that his priority this season is the Premiership, so he wants to ensure Liverpool qualify sooner rather than later for the Champions League knock-out phase.
With Momo Sissoko and Harry Kewell both missing the trip to Porto, Benitez welcomes Fabio Aurelio back to his squad for the first time this season after recovering from an Achilles injury. Xabi Alonso is a late doubt for the game after pulling up in training on Monday, but Peter Crouch, Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres are all making the trip as the Reds look to get their campaign off to a good start.
Porto also go into this match unbeaten in all competitions this season and will be desperate not to drop points at home in their first game. Ferreria doesn’t have to contend with too many injury worries, although first-choice goalkeeper Helton has still not recovered from a knee injury so Nuno Santo will start his third consecutive game. Striker Adriano is a major doubt with a thigh strain but the return of Fucile and Kazmierczak are the main news among the Portuguese champion’s squad, who currently have a 100% record in the league this season.
|
Video Category: 
