Manchester City v Porto Betting Tips [21 October 2020]

Manchester City will look to mount another UEFA Champions League title charge with a Group ‘C’ match against Portuguese European regulars FC Porto at the Etihad Stadium. City lost last season in the quarter-finals to eventual runners-up Lyon and will be desperate to break their European hoodoo this season. Porto are back in the Champions League after a one-year absence having lost in the third round of qualifying to Krasnodar last season.

Manchester City warmed up for this encounter with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Arsenal. It could have been worse for the injury-hit City side had Arsenal played their cards right and got the team composition correct. City’s form so far this season has been a bit here and there, as they have won four, drawn one and lost one in all competitions. The 5-2 loss at home to Leicester City highlighted the defensive frailties this side has and Pep Guardiola will be concerned with that. A 3-1 loss to Lyon ended their campaign last season, although that was their only loss in ten Champions League matches – winning seven and drawing two. Furthermore, City haven’t lost a Champions League group stage match since 2018, winning eight and drawing three hence.

Porto drew 2-2 with Sporting over the weekend in the domestic league keeping them winless in two matches. Back in the European mix after a one-year absence, Porto will be looking to make a winning start to their campaign. However, Porto have failed to star their last four Champions League campaigns with a win – drawing three and losing one. Moreover, they have lost three of their last four Champions League matches, winning just once.

Manchester City have high ambitions of doing better than their quarter-final appearance last season in the Champions League this year. Regardless of their not-so-commanding recent form, City have won seven of their last eight Champions League home matches. Four of those wins have come with at least a two-goal margin and City will look to continue the same. With Pep Guardiola’s mission Champions League set to be at the forefront, expect them to go all out against Porto. The Portuguese visitors have struggled against English opposition and that could be a blessing in disguise for the hosts. We are backing City to win by at least a two-goal margin.