FC Porto will be in unfamiliar territory on Tuesday night when they host Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League - they will have Hulk playing against them.
Hulk became a famous name in European football courtesy his numerous goals and assists in a Porto shirt, which he wore with great distinction for four years. Now, after his move to Russia earlier this year, Hulk will be amongst the Zenit players looking to derail Porto's progress in the Champions League.
"Hulk has a good name at this club, and will be well received tomorrow (Tuesday), but that won't affect his or our performance," Porto manager Paulo Fonseca said.
Porto have three points from two matches, and are currently three behind Group G leaders Atletico Madrid, who beat the Portuguese side in the last matchday. Zenit are currently bottom with one point, the same as third-placed Austria Wien.
"It might be a very important game for us, but it is also a very important game for Zenit," Fonseca said. "Every team has a chance of going through in our group. Our ambition is always the same, no matter who we are up against -- we always want to win."
"With Atletico last time out we had some difficulties, but those only made us stronger and we have learned from them. I'm happy with how the past two weeks have gone despite the absence of important players who have been with their national teams. Our defence was together during this period, which allowed us to get our tactics right and improve the defensive side of our game."
With Atletico looking like they will run away with the group, Zenit are targeting second place and manager Luciano Spaletti understands the two back-to-back games against Porto could be crucial towards that target.
"It may not be a critical game, but when you look at the table it's clear that Porto are a threat to second place," Spaletti said. "The players believe they can qualify and I know they have the ability to get a decent result. Porto are in very good shape despite their defeat by Atletico. We haven't started well but we have the quality to accumulate points."
Team News: Axel Witsel is suspended for Zenit, while Porto do not have any new injury concerns, with Fonseca resting several key players in the 1-0 win over CD Trofense at the weekend.
Key men: Porto: Jackson Martinez will look to find the back of the net for the Portuguese side, and the Colombian striker is sure to keep the Zenit defenders on their toes.
Zenit: Hulk will be keen to make an impression against his old side, and while the Brazilian is sure to get a great ovation from the Porto crowd, he will be a constant thorn for the Portuguese champions on the pitch.
Where to watch
The match is set for a 12.15 p.m. IST start on Wednesday morning with no live telecast scheduled.
Expected lineups: Porto: Helton; Alex Sandro, Maicon, Ottamendi, Vitor Garcia; Fernando, Carlos Eduardo, Defour; Josue, Martinez, Varela.
Zenit St. Petersburg: Lodygin; Criscito, Neto, Lombaerts, Smolnikov; Shirokov, Fayzulin, Zyryanov; Danny, Arshavin, Hulk.
Prediction: 2-1 to Porto
