Manchester City vs FC Porto Predictions and Betting Tips
Manchester City welcome FC Porto to the Etihad Stadium for this UCL group stage opener on Wednesday. With the home side termed as favourites to win this group, they'd be keen on getting off to the best possible start. However, it is then left to see whether the away side might have something else planned.
Both sides clashed only once back in European competition. This meeting was played in the last 32 stages of the 2011/12 Europa League season. Manchester City thrashed the then-Portuguese champions 6-2 on aggregate but went on to lose to Sporting Lisbon in the next stage.
The Cityzens begin another search for the trophy the actually want
The influx of cash from the Middle East into the Blue part of Manchester was done to achieve a set of goals. As it stands, just one of those boxes is still yet to be ticked. This would be to etch the name 'Manchester City' onto the Champions League trophy. The closest they have come to achieving this was back in the 2015/16 season. However, they were downed in the semifinals by Real Madrid. Pep's quarterfinals woes continue yet again as Lyon condemned him to a third loss in a row at this same stage. Although it's going to be a tough ask, Manchester City has what it takes to be called European Champions.
They'd be heading into this game off the back of a 1-0 win against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. A Raheem Sterling strike on the 23rd minute settled the tie as City saw to their first clean sheet of the season.
Porto poor start to the season
FC Porto commenced their title defence with thumping wins in their two games. However, they haven't been at their best for the last two games copping just one point from a possible six. Sporting Lisbon just rescued a point just three minutes from time via a Luciano Vietto strike.
Although Manchester City is hot favourite to win this group, the other teams are good enough to get second place. This proves to be a tough task for FC Porto given that they have to go through both Marseille and Olympiacos.
Manchester City vs Porto Team News
Manchester City possible starting XI:
Ederson; Cancelo; Ake, Dias, Walker; Rodri, Bernado, Fode,; Raheem ,ferran, Aguero
Porto possible starting XI:
Marchesin; manafa, Mbemba, Pepe, Sanusi; Oliveira; DIaz, Otavio, Uribe, Corona; Marega
Manchester City vs Porto Prediction: 2-0
Manchester City is seen as favourites not to only win this match, but to finish the group ahead of their opponents. As such, we believe the Cityzens are well-worth backing for this game.
