Porto need a point from their penultimate group game to clinch qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
However, only a win will do for the Portuguese side if they still harbour ambitions of claiming the top spot in Group C.
From end to end, a move of pure class! ⚡️⚽️ @Sure 🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/GhkcTqfI6h— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 29, 2020
From end to end, a move of pure class! ⚡️⚽️ @Sure 🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/GhkcTqfI6h
Porto secured a 2-0 away win in their last group game against Marseille and followed that up with a 1-0 win at the weekend against Santa Clara in the Primeira Liga.
Tuesday’s hosts have now won their last five matches in all competitions and have kept clean sheets in four of those victories.
Under 2.5 goals have been produced in each of Porto’s last three outings, so the home side could prove a tough nut for Guardiola’s side to crack.
However, these two teams have locked horns on three previous occasions and each time the Premier League side have been victorious. When the two sides last locked horns in October, hosts Manchester City ran out 3-1 winners.
Over 2.5 goals have been scored in each of the pair’s three encounters since 2012 and only one clean sheet has been recorded during that period (Man City’s 4-0 home win in 2012).
Man City might not be flying in the Premier League just yet but they did hammer Burnley 5-0 on Saturday. Pep’s men won 1-0 away at Olympiakos in their last Champions League game and maintain a 100% record in Group C.
Tuesday’s guests just need a point against Porto to confirm top spot in Group A as they sit 6pts clear of the Portuguese side with just two games left to play.
The Citizens have won four of their last six matches in league and cup, keeping clean sheets in each of those victories. Under 2.5 goals have been scored in four of Man City’s last six outings, which suggests that Tuesday’s clash could be very closely fought.
City look good going forward having only failed to find the back of the net in one of their last six matches. The visitors have netted 11-goals in their last six fixtures and will be confident they can end Porto’s clean sheets run.
Grujic is suspended for the hosts and veteran defender Pepe is expected to miss out on Tuesday due to a foot injury. Ake has been ruled out for City and there are question marks over Aguero, who is rated a doubtful.
Forebet believe that Man City will do just enough to claim all 3pts on Tuesday, clinching top spot in Group C with a game to spare. Recent performances suggest that this game will be close and competitive with a likelihood of over 2.5 goals being scored.