Basel v Porto preview

• Basel boss Paulo Sousa says attack will be the best form of defence against Porto
• Julen Lopetegui warns that his Porto team will have to be at their optimum
• Porto are one of only three unbeaten sides remaining in the competition
• Jackson Martínez has scored 12 goals in his last 13 appearances
• Portuguese Sousa won just twice in 12 meetings with Porto as a player

Possible lineups
Basel: Vaclík; Xhaka, Samuel, Suchý, Safari; Frei, Elneny; González, Zuffi, Gashi; Streller.
• Out: Ivanov (knee), Schär (suspended)
• Doubtful: Gashi (fatigue)

Porto: Fabiano; Alex Sandro, Maicon, Marcano, Danilo; Casemiro, Herrera, Óliver Torres; Brahimi, Quaresma, Martínez.
• Out: none

Paulo Sousa, Basel coach
It is special to compete at this level, in the best club competition in the world – it is where we want to be and where we can and will grow. We have had only two matches since the winter break but the way and pace that we get up to speed is what matters most.

We have analysed Porto like we do all our opponents. Obviously you have to make minor adjustments depending on who you are up against, but we stick to our main principles. Looking at the statistics, together with Chelsea and Real Madrid, Porto are the only team that did not lose in the group phase. They also scored 19 goals.

There will be difficult spells for us, but I'm sure we will cause Porto a lot of problems too. To create difficulties we have to take risks and show personality, to alleviate the pressure.

The crucial moments that brought us here were the magical nights against Liverpool. At Anfield we spent most of the first period inside their half – and that is not easy to do. I love to test myself: it enables me and my players to grow.

Julen Lopetegui, Porto coach
This is the Champions League round of 16; it's a great moment for the team. This tie will be well-balanced. Paulo Sousa is doing a great job at Basel, and he and his team showed a lot of character during the group stage. They are also very experienced, full of international players.

They've prepared for this game for practically two months, so they are ready. Basel have a lot of potential, they have demonstrated that they can play well – very well in fact.

We go into every game aiming for the win, to be the main protagonists. Basel are a complete side, they have a clear idea about how to attack and defend, and we have to put on two great performances to go through – one is not enough.

Weekend results
Basel 1-1 FC Sion (Gashi 68; Jagne 45+3pen)
Porto 1-0 Vitória SC (Brahimi 31)

Form guide (all competitions)
Basel: DWDWWL
Porto: WWWWLD

Match facts
• What was the score when Basel last faced a Portuguese side, Sporting Clube de Portugal, in the 2012/13 UEFA Europa League group stage? Find out in our extensive match background.