Manchester City v Porto Preview & Predictions – Go for Over 2.5 as Goals expected

20/10/2020 | Categories: Football betting | Published by: Andy Nelson

Updated: 4th December 2023

2020-21 UEFA Champions League Group C preview: Manchester City v Porto – Etihad stadium – Wednesday, 21st October 2020 – 20:00 hrs BST

Champions League; Manchester City v Porto Preview

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The Group C fixtures begin with Manchester City hosting Portuguese giants FC Porto at the Etihad Stadium on October 21st Wednesday.

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Pep Guardiola's City have had an unsatisfactory start to their season so far, winning just two of their four Premier League outings, but a 1-0 victory against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal last Saturday despite a below-strength eleven will lend the home side the required boost going into the European clash.

Guardiola will want to put behind the unexpected quarter-final exit to Lyon in last year's edition and make yet another attempt at winning the prestigious trophy in the months to come.

Porto have made a start to the season that mirrors that of their forthcoming rivals and come into the Etihad clash on the back of a loss and a draw in the Primeira Liga.

Manchester City Premier League form guide:

W-D-L-W

FC Porto Primeira Liga form guide:

W-W-L-D

Guardiola is having to deal with a host of injuries currently with his star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and key striker Gabriel Jesus out of action.

City will also have to do without defenders Aymeric Laporte and Benjamin Mendy while Sergio Aguero's return provides bit of a relief upfront.

FC Porto will be without their star defenders Ivan Marcano and Mouhamed Mbaye being sidelined by injuries.

Manchester City Predicted XI in a 4-3-3 formation:

Ederson (goal); Joao Cancelo, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker; Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden; Ferran Torres, Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero

Porto Predicted XI in a 4-3-3 formation:

Augustin Marchesin (goal); Zaidu Sanusi, Pepe, Chancel Mbemba, Wison Manafa; Sergi Oliveira, Mateus Uribe, Felipe Anderson; Otavio, Moussa Marega, Jesus Corona

While the Citizens are still below their prolific best, they have still managed a healthy 2.0 goals per 90 minutes so far this season.

With Raheem Sterling in tremendous form, Aguero inching towards full fitness and Riyad Mahrez’s creative abilities looking menacing upfront, City should be more than a match for the visitors to the Etihad.

Manchester City v Porto Predictions & betting Odds

Man City have kept just one clean sheet so far this season however, while their defensive record in the Champions League is also far from impressive.

However, City have proved themselves vulnerable at the back having conceded in each of their last seven outings in the tournament and an attack-minded Porto side should find opportunities aplenty to score.

As a result, the over 2.5 goals and both teams to score combination looks well worth considering with a probable score line of 3-1 for the hosts. Back it at Bet365.