Coach Louis van Gaal is hoping Barcelona can put their recent poor form behind them as they return to Champions League action at the Nou Camp tonight against Porto in a Group A game.

Van Gaal's side were one of the clear favourites after an impressive first stage in which they scored 19 goals and handed heavy defeats to Arsenal and Fiorentina.

They started the second phase pretty well, too, drawing 1-1 in farcical conditions away to Hertha Berlin before strolling to a 5-0 win at home to Sparta Prague.

But in the meantime the side's Spanish league form has dipped considerably as the team have slipped to fifth, eight points behind leaders Deportivo Coruna.

Established players such as Rivaldo, Sergi Barjuan and Pep Guardiola have at times found themselves dropped from the team by the authoritarian Van Gaal and the club's form reached a new low with Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Against Porto they have a chance to put their domestic struggles behind them and underline their reputation as European heavyweights.

However, their chances against their chief rivals could be hit by an ankle injury to Rivaldo, although the Brazilian is expected to play even if not fully fit.

Guardiola should return to central midfield in place of Ronald de Boer, while Van Gaal could opt to bring back Dutch goalkeeper Ruud Hesp for Francesc Arnau.

Porto are also struggling at home but lead the Champions League standings after wins over Sparta Prague and Hertha Berlin. They will rely on Brazilian striker Mario Jardel and key midfielder Rui Barros, back after a spell of injury.