Europa League
2012-02-16 - F.C Porto vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Manchester City travels to Porto hoping to keep their last hope of European success this season alive. City along with Manchester United entered Europe's second tier competition after crashing out of the Champions League. They find themselves being paired with last year's Treble-winners Porto at the Estadio do Dragao in the first leg of the tie.
As it is now Manager Andre Villas-Boas is no longer with Porto after leaving for Chelsea after unprecedented success with the Dragons last season. But his successor, Vitor Pereira, failed to keep Porto in Europe's top club competition, however they are still contenders for a second successive league trophy, currently sitting second in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. City, meanwhile, travel to Portugal currently holding top spot in the Premier League and are two points clear of nearest rivals United.
It has to be said that tonight's clash will mark the first time the two sides have been paired in UEFA competition, while City's only previous meeting with Portuguese opponents saw them beat Academica de Coimbra 1-0 after extra-time in the quarter-finals of the 1969/70 Cup Winners' cup. Meanwhile Manager Mancini is expecting a difficult tie with the reigning Champions of the Europa League.
Mancini was quoted as saying that: "Porto have very good players; their wingers are very quick, they defend well - they're certainly one of the best teams in Europe." Meanwhile, Manchester City welcome back midfielder Yaya Toure and defender Kolo Toure after their involvement in the African Cup of Nations. Striker Mario Balotelli is also in contention after serving a domestic suspension but fellow forward Carlos Tevez, back from his self-imposed exile in Argentina, is not registered to play.
Predictions
Go for Manchester City on level ball not to lose this match. If it ends in a draw then stakes are returned. Expect a City win or at worst a draw here.
The Pick :
Porto 0-1 Manchester City
BEST BETTING TIP :
Go for Manchester City to win here.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester City on Level Ball not to lose this match. Stakes are returned in the event of a draw.
