Preview: Athletic v Porto

• Ernesto Valverde says Athletic are on the up after two Spanish Liga wins
• The coach promises Group H's bottom side "will fight to the end"
• Julen Lopetegui and Porto are not letting talk of qualification distract them
• Porto were 2-1 victors when the teams met on matchday three
• Athletic are likely to be without top scorer Aritz Aduriz

Possible lineups
Athletic: Iraizoz; Iraola, Laporte, San José, Iturraspe; Mikel Rico, Beñat, Muniain, Ibai, Susaeta; Guillermo Fernández.
• Doubtful: De Marcos (toe)
• Out: Aduriz (hamstring)

Porto: Fabiano; Danilo, Maicon, Martins Indi, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Herrera, Óliver Torres; Tello, Brahimi, Jackson.

Ernesto Valverde, Athletic coach
We will make the odd change to the lineup in addition to Aritz Aduriz. We're waiting to see how several players are, but we have had a lot of games recently and tomorrow's is going to be tough as well. The players with knocks are [Óscar] De Marcos, [Ager] Aketxe, [Iker] Muniain, [Aymeric] Laporte ... a significant number.

The San Mamés effect is very important. The crowd drive us on and if we can really get them behind us then that's a huge factor in what we can do. Guillermo Fernández is ready. If he gets the nod ahead of other players it's because I've watched them all and he's in the best form. Last year other players were ahead of Guillermo but now he's getting the opportunities. It's all about performances.

Porto have their own particular style and I don't think that's going to change much. Their players like to have the ball and to control the game. They have quick players too, but I don't think they'll sit back and defend.

Even if they lose, Porto will still be able to get through the group, whereas we couldn't afford a defeat. So the onus is on us to win. I don't consider that a handicap, however, rather a positive – we tend to respond well to pressure.

Porto are a great side with top attackers. If they were in the Spanish league, they'd be somewhere between third and sixth. I also think the Portuguese Liga is harder than some people imagine.

We are growing in confidence – when you win a couple of games on the spin, you are able to focus more easily on the challenge ahead. In terms of morale, these two victories have really boosted us.

We are lucky enough to be playing in the UEFA Champions League. The players have given us this possibility through their hard work. Yes, we would like to have more points at the moment in order to enjoy it more, and it's been difficult until now, but we are going to fight until the very last match. We're not just thinking of third place.

Julen Lopetegui, Porto coach
We can qualify if we beat Athletic, but we aren't thinking about that. We have to give a good performance. Thinking about qualifying won't help us to compete. We're just focused on what we need to do.

We don't want to waste time thinking about what might happen. Every game is different and we have an opponent that wants to put on a show, just like us. Nothing external will help us. What we do is what will help us win the game

If [Aritz] Aduriz doesn't play, someone else will do well. Guillermo [Fernández] had a good game at our place. Athletic have a great team, a good coach and aren't lacking a player in any department.

Porto have a young team that is growing, wants to improve and compete in every competition. The old San Mamés was a special stadium that players enjoyed – it had some magic.

Weekend results
Athletic 1-0 Sevilla FC (Aritz Aduriz 13)
Porto 2-0 CD Nacional (Danilo 9, Brahimi 74)

Form guide (all competitions)
Athletic: WWLDLL
Porto: WWWLWD

Match facts
• Porto's last two European campaigns were ended by Spanish sides – which ones? Find out in our extensive match background.