'It will be a hostile place for Arsenal'

A goalless draw with Leixoes on Saturday saw Porto extend their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions.

However, they remain nine points off leaders Benfica in the Portuguese Liga and their domestic struggles mean they are putting even more emphasis on the Champions League this season.

Ahead of Arsenal's trip to Porto we spoke to Matilde Dias from Correio da Manha, Portugal's biggest-selling daily newspaper. She explained just how desperate the Portuguese champions are to overcome the Gunners.

FOCUS - CUP FEVERCHAMPIONS LEAGUE FEVER
"They are not doing so well in the Portuguese Liga, so for them the Champions League is a priority. They will give everything they have got against Arsenal. All their motivation will be for this game. They will give everything."

FOCUS - IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENALIMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"For them Arsenal are a strong team, they respect the players. They really rate them highly and respect the playing style of Arsène Wenger, he is one of the most romantic coaches in Europe. I don't think they are thinking too much about previous games against Arsenal. They are focused on what they can do this season and for them this is a vital game, they just have to win, especially in the first leg because they know how strong Arsenal are at Emirates Stadium."

FOCUS - REASONS TO BE CHEERFULREASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
"The stadium will be full. They always like to see English teams because it is exciting football. The stadium is always a difficult place [for visiting teams]. Porto are very strong at home. When the stadium is full the supporters provide a good atmosphere, it will be a hostile place for Arsenal."

FOCUS - MAN OF THE MOMENTMAN OF THE MOMENT - STRIKER FALCAO
"For Porto it is a priority to reach the Quarter-Finals because they are not going well domestically. This is their big fight. Striker Falcao will be a big problem for Arsenal. His partnership with Hulk will be the biggest danger for the Gunners."

FOCUS - THE ONE TO WATCHTHE ONE TO WATCH
"Hulk will also be a problem for Arsenal. He has not been playing due to a domestic suspension but he is coming back for this game and he is willing to show his importance to the team. He will come back and I believe he will boost the team's confidence going forward. When he plays Porto are a different team, they are more dynamic."