MANCHESTER CITY v FC PORTO
Football : Europe : Europa League
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012, 5:00PM GMT

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PREVIEW

Manchester may well give England something to smile about in European football, as Arsenal, Chelsea and Stoke look set to get knocked out of their ties. FC Porto gave up a late winner to Manchester City in Portugal, their first home loss of the season, meaning they have to win at the Etihad. Not an easy thing to do.

Aguero scored the winner after coming off the bench in a game that is now being investigated for racist chants against City's black players. Porto will now face a City side that has no injury worries, but will not face the now reconciled Tevez, despite the Argentine's apology, as he is not registered to play in the Europa League. Still, there is plenty of talent on the Manchester City team sheet.

I don't fancy Porto's chances here, as they have never won on English soil, despite the club being the reigning Europa League Champions. Porto have won this tournament once before, as well as the Champions League, but those managers do not remain now.

What does stick in my mind however is that fact that City were just moments away from a draw in Portugal, and that in recent games they have lost at home. Manchester United have come here and won in the FA Cup, while Liverpool were able to inflict a Carling Cup defeat. Perhaps we will see some nerves seeing as the nature of cup games tends to differ from the league games where City have found success?

I have City winning this game, but I am loathe to disrespect Porto. They are reigning champions after all, and will not come here and get bent over. Mancini's men have been amazing all season, but Europe has been a tough new ball to juggle for them and they did get knocked out in the group stages of the Champions League. The season may well be catching up with them as they have allowed United to catch up with them in the league and also suffer those 2 cup exits at home.

BETTING VERDICT

Last week I suggested a draw, along with the safer bet of both teams to score. Nearly landed both as it ended 2-1. I'll play safe here and suggest you take both teams to score here again.

The Pick :

Both Teams To Score

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Both Teams To Score @ 1.85 (Bet365)