A young Gunners squad - including the likes of Carling Cup kids Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs, Gavin Hoyte, Mark Randall, Fran Merida, Jack Wilshere and Jay Simpson - will be charged with the task of securing top spot in Champions League Group G by avoiding defeat at the Estadio do Dragao tonight.

Ferreira saw his side thrashed 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the campaign, a result from which they eventually recovered after successive away wins to book their own place in the last 16.

While tonight's encounter will be with a Gunners team missing the likes of captain Cesc Fabregas as well as strike duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie - both on target in the last meeting - Ferreira is in no doubt Arsenal are a club to be admired for their values.

"Arsenal remain a top European team who are a school of football with very young players and have a solid strategy," he said.

"Two years ago, they were in the final of the Champions League, and they could go on to win it this season, so they will be very difficult to beat.

"But we will try to show that with hard work we can play for the three points."

Porto have never lost to an English side at home in Europe and with the pressure off, Ferreira expects an open game.

"There will be no vendetta against Arsenal. Porto will be just playing with great responsibility," he said.

"Both teams will come here relaxed because they are already qualified, and so it should be a great game to watch.

History would favour the draw, which would send Arsenal through as group winners, given six of Porto's 10 previous home contests against English opposition have finished all-square.

Liverpool were held 1-1 here during the opening phase last season, while the Gunners played out a goalless draw in the 2006/2007 campaign.

Ferreira, though, is not concerned with statistics.

"It is the same to play against an English team, a Chinese team or any other European team - there is no extra motivation," he said.

"We are evolving and are finding a balance.

"These statistics are just numbers, but we will try to change them."