Porto v Manchester City: Scoreline Tip

Although Manchester City are in a similar boat to their neighbours United, two things stand out as different where the Europa League is concerned. Firstly, Mancini’s players are totally unaccustomed to juggling the demands of a league title race with knockout football on the side. Secondly, Thursday’s opponents Porto look like a step up in quality from Ajax, particularly on their own patch. I think the defending champions in this competition are temptingly priced at 9/1 (Ladbrokes) to win the first leg 1-0 in Portugal.

The Blues of Manchester have so far made a pretty poor job of the cup competitons this season. Admittedly, there was a run in the Carling Cup before Liverpool proved too strong, but that followed exits at the first main stage of the Champions League and FA Cup. Mancini is now bolstered by the return of several key players including the Toure brothers and Mario Balotelli, but I think the rewards of those reinforcements may not be reaped till the second leg or beyond.

Porto may be slightly less formidable than under Andre Villas-Boas, but there’s not too much in it, especially at home. Vitor Pereira’s side have won nine and drawn one of 10 league games at Estadio do Dragao this season, and they remain unbeaten in the Champions League on their own soil since 2009.

The chance to retain a major European trophy will inspire the Dragons, as will the opportunity to upstage one of the continent’s newest superpowers. City, on the other hand, only really care about winning the English Premier League title when it’s all said and done.