Europa League
2012-02-22 - Manchester City vs FC Porto
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Tonight Roberto Mancini will aim to complete the elimination of holders Porto in the last 32 after beating them 2-1 in the first leg.
Mancini now wants to win the Europa League and the Premiership after falling out of the Champions League and into Europe's secondary competition. Mancini refused to make any comments after Carlos Tevez again hit the headlines on Tuesday following an apology for his much-publicised behaviour this year but instead preferred to focus on this match.
As it is now, City hold a 2-1 first-leg advantage over Porto after coming from a goal down at Estadio do Dragao last week, when the game was shrouded by alleged racist chanting which is the subject of a UEFA ongoing disciplinary proceeding. Meanwhile, But Porto, who finished third in their Champions League group, have not been beaten in a two-legged tie in the Europa League, or the previous UEFA Cup, since 2000/2001.
In the first leg, a late Sergio Aguero strike stunned Vitor Pereira's Porto in the first leg and City's formidable home record in Europe does not give the visitors, who have never won in England previously. As it is now, City are unbeaten in 15 European fixtures at the Etihad Stadium since a 1-0 UEFA Cup first round loss against FC Midtjylland in 2008. They are therefore favourites to book a last-16 date with either Legia Warsaw or Porto's Liga rivals, Sporting Lisbon.
Mancini's men, also have a 100 per cent home record in this season's Premier League, but have lost cup games to their derby rivals and Liverpool. They are also on course for a potential Europa League final against Manchester United if both sides make it to the Final.
Team News :
Manchester City Team News :
City have no injury concerns for the second leg, but there will be no return for Tevez, despite his apology, because he is not registered for the competition. Midfielder Yaya Toure made his comeback in the first leg after missing eight games at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Mario Balotelli also featured after a domestic suspension.
Porto Team News :
Porto forward Hulk has warned he is '1,000 per cent' ready to lead the attack after recovering from a leg injury.
Predictions
Go for Manchester City to win this match and finish the job at the Etihad Stadium. Give the 1 ball away here.
The Pick :
Manchester City 3-0 F.C Porto
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for Manchester City to get the win and finish off the holders here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main Bet :
Take Manchester City and give the -1 ball away with a potential clash with another Portuguese side - Sporting Lisbon awaiting in the next round.
Take Manchester City and give the -1 ball away with a potential clash with another Portuguese side - Sporting Lisbon awaiting in the next round.
