The English Premier League leaders are set to take on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vitor-c36281 Pereira’s Porto at Estadio do Dragao on the 16th of February, in what promises to be a feast of footballing talents.
FC Porto:
The Portistas are current holders of the UEFA Europa League title, but have failed to emulate their performances from last year. Currently 2nd in the Primeira Liga standings, their form has not been great as of late on the domestic front but they
have managed to grind out three points in their last two fixtures.
In Europe, despite drawing with Zenit St. Petersburg during the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, the club were knocked out of the continent’s premier competition and now face http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mancini-c23323’s men in a two-legged affair.
Manchester City:
The Citizens’ have not played the same swash buckling football in their last couple of games, but have demonstrated that they have what it takes to win. Their narrow victory over Aston Villa places them in the ascendency for the title, but they face the
Portistas over 180 minutes before returning to League duty.
Team News:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186:
Vitor Pereira will not fancy his chances against the English giants but luckily has a nearly fully fit squad to choose from. Brazilian forward Kleber has recovered from a right-shoulder injury and is set to resume his place up-front.
However http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Twente-c39233 in the winter, is illegible for the tournament, having already contested the group stages with the Dutch outfit.
Emidio Rafael is a long-term absentee, but Selecao star http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hulk-c16436 will be raring to go after returning to action against U.D Leiria.
Pereira spoke to reporters before the tantalizing encounter and claimed that his side had what it takes to beat the visitors, provided that they at their best.
"We want to have a great game, give a good time to the fans, whose support we need. Everyone knows about City's strength, they are the leaders in the Premier League. They have a great team, but I am focused on the quality of our game.”
"At our best level, we have more than enough to win the game. Porto are clearly one of the favourites to win the Europa League,” he said.
Manchester City:
The most important name on the City team sheet will be Yaya Toure, who returns to the club after missing nearly a month due to the African Cup of Nations.
His fellow sibling and International compatriot, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vincent-Kompany-c36184, who have been quite impressive in the last few weeks.
Blues’ outcast http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mario-Balotelli-c23937 should be given the nod tonight after serving his
four game ban due to an unsavoury incident with Scot Parker at the Etihad earlier.
Key Players:
FC Porto: Hulk
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Kawasaki-Frontale-c39683 man will be the inspiration his side turn to in attack. After a brief injury induced lay-off, Hulk will be eager to prove his worth and perhaps even attract a few suitors with a good display against the Premiership side.
Manchester City: Yaya Toure
City’s form has deteriorated rapidly in the last couple of games and it was no coincidence that it was immediately after Toure’s departure to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Equatorial-Guinea-c2892. The Ivorian, however, is back and will look to be a constant thorn in Porto’s midfield
with his direct gung-ho approach and array of passing skills.
Prediction:
FC Porto 1:2 Manchester City
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