Porto v Manchester City: Probable line-ups for Champions League opener

FC Porto and Manchester City begin their new UEFA Champions League campaigns against one another at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, with both managers facing significant selection decisions before the opening league-phase fixture.

Francesco Farioli is expected to set FC Porto up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Diogo Costa continuing as the undisputed choice in goal. The Portuguese side will need a disciplined defensive performance against a Manchester City attack led by Erling Haaland.

Nehuen Perez is set to start in place of the suspended Bednarek. Jakub Kiwior and Francisco Moura are also expected to feature in defence, while Alberto Costa completes the projected back four.

In midfield, Alan Varela is likely to replace Froholdt, who is unavailable after suffering a concussion. Pablo Rosario and Gabri Veiga are expected to join Varela in the middle of the pitch.

FC Porto’s attacking trio is forecast to remain unchanged, with Pepe and William Gomes supporting Andre Silva through the centre. Farioli is understood to retain confidence in the three forwards for the meeting with Manchester City.

FC Porto probable XI

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa

Defenders: Alberto Costa, Nehuen Perez, Jakub Kiwior, Francisco Moura

Midfielders: Alan Varela, Pablo Rosario, Gabri Veiga

Forwards: Pepe, Andre Silva, William Gomes

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is expected to select Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back, a decision intended to help contain the pace of FC Porto’s wingers. Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are likely to complete the defensive line in front of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Maresca could also name an unfamiliar central-midfield partnership. Recent signings Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez are expected to start together, offering a physically strong combination in an attempt to control the centre of the pitch.

Further forward, Manchester City are set to rely on Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye to provide attacking creativity and service for Haaland. Cherki is expected to play a particularly important role in supplying the Norway international.

Haaland is projected to lead the line as Manchester City seek to begin their Champions League campaign with a win away from home. The fixture brings together two sides whose tactical choices could prove decisive given the quality available to both squads.

Manchester City probable XI

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Defenders: Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol

Defensive midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez

Attacking midfielders: Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, Iliman Ndiaye

Centre-forward: Erling Haaland

FC Porto and Manchester City will therefore meet in the first round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, with the Estadio do Dragao hosting the opening contest.

The listed match odds place Manchester City as favourites. FC Porto are priced at 4.50 to win, while a draw is valued at 4.00 and a Manchester City victory at 1.68 by 1xbet.