Francesco Farioli is set to rotate his starting eleven for Thursday’s match, with at least two players who started against Estoril expected to make way.
FC Porto’s coach has rested both Diogo Costa and Victor Froholdt, leaving them out of the squad. They join striker Luuk de Jong on the sidelines, who has not yet recovered from a left knee contusion despite the medical team’s efforts. Conversely, Deniz Gul has been included in the squad after participating in a limited training session. Yann Karamoh, Ángel Alarcón, and Tomás Pérez, who is in line for a potential season debut, have also been called up.
The main uncertainty is in goal. With captain Diogo Costa absent, the position will be contested by Cláudio Ramos and João Costa. Ramos, who has two appearances in the Taça de Portugal, is considered the frontrunner as the team’s direct backup.
In defense, Martim Fernandes, Prpic, and Zaidu are all in contention for a starting role. Stephen Eustáquio is a strong candidate to replace Froholdt in midfield, while Gabri Veiga and Pepê, both of whom did not start against Estoril, could also return to the lineup.
Further forward, one of the starting wingers, either William Gomes or Borja Sainz, is expected to keep their place. With Gul having only just returned to fitness, Samu Aghehowa may continue to lead the attack, although Rodrigo Mora is also an option to play as a ‘false 9’.
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