Europa League - FC Porto v Manchester City Odds and Betting Preview

PORTO, PORTUGAL - There is no doubt that Roberto Mancini and his team would not have imagined themselves playing in the Europa League at the start of the season. That said it may be a more realistic cup to aim for; of late we have seen an inconsistent side full of controversy and animosity. They travel to the most successful Portugese club in the history of the game this Thursday for their round of 32 match. Porto are underdogs for the game, priced up at 9/5 (bet £5 get £14 back) with bet365, whereas the visitors can be backed at 13/8 with Betfred to snatch a victory. The draw is offered at 23/10, also with Betfred.

There is an argument to be made that Roberto Mancini would be wise to let his younger, more inexperienced players compete in the Europa League as his more senior and valuable stars will need to be on song if they are going to push for the domestic title. The Europa League could be seen as a distraction however this is hardly the case looking at the enormous depth and size of the Manchester City squad. Jo Hart seems to have come out better from his painful looking clash with Richard Dunne, which has left the Aston Villa defender sidelined for months. Carlos Tevez is the name on everybody's lips as he returns to the club. Mancini may be tempted to start him too; a goal on his return would silence the critics temporarily and possibly allow him to start to return to his former self. The Argentine claims he has been "treated like a dog" and it seems only fair that the manager throws him a bone.

Like their counterparts in light blue, FC Porto were also knocked out of the Champions League. No doubt they will have to start replicating some of their form from last season, a season in which they secured four different titles. Vitor Pereira's side lie in a disappointing third position, eight points off leaders Benfica. It seems that losing hero Andres Villas Boas has come as a shock to the club but now the players are slowly starting to generate form and unity. The side are unbeaten in their last six matches (drawing only one) and haven't lost at home in Europe for seven games. They also seem to have been tactically sound in terms of two leg duels; the last time Porto lost over a two game stretch was to Liverpool in 2001. The likes of Hulk and Joao Moutinho will need to be on hot form to compete with the Citizens however.

City are notorious for their flair and ability going forward. For Porto, they have one of the best strikers in the world in Hulk. Punters looking to put money in the Over/Under market may be interested in the odds of over 2.5 at 8/11 with bet365 and under 2.5 at 21/20 with the same. For those expecting a free-flowing game odds of over 4.5 goals can be backed at 5/1 with Betfred and at the other end of the spectrum under 1.5 is at 5/2 with Betfred also. In the half-time/full-time market City/City is the favourite at 3/1 with bet365 and Porto/Porto is priced up at 4/1 with Ladbrokes.

The favourite correct scoreline is a 1-1 draw given at 11/2 by Boylesports. 1-0 to CIty is given at 13/2 with StanJames.com whereas 1-0 for FCP is at 9/1 with Ladbrokes. Those expecting a City domination may fancy odds of 4-0 to the visitors at 66/1 with Betfred. That said VIncent Kompany is doubtful for the game and Hulk may be a real thorn in the opposition's defence. His physicality is constantly a threat and he can be backed a 5/1 with Coral. His partner in crime Kléber is given odds of 7/1 with Paddy Power to do the same. For City, masetro Sergio Aguero is the favourite to break the deadlock at 5/1 with Coral and he is closely followed by the infamous, saintly and obnoxious Mario Balotelli. The striker, who seems to fit every extreme adjective, can be backed at 11/2 with Betfred to be the first goalscorer.

The game kicks off at 20.05 on Thursday.

Match Betting