Manchester City hold an unbeaten record against FC Porto in competitive European football. Across their four historical head-to-head fixtures, City have registered 3 wins and 1 draw, outscoring the Portuguese giants 9–2 overall.

Historically, Porto have struggled against English opposition, winning just two of their last 16 meetings.

Key Historical Moments and head to head history

• 2011–12 Europa League: In their first-ever meeting, Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City came from behind at the Estádio do Dragão to win 2–1, courtesy of an own goal and a late Sergio Agüero winner. In the return leg at the Etihad Stadium, Agüero scored after just 19 seconds, setting up a dominant 4–0 victory (6–1 on aggregate).
• 2020–21 Champions League: Placed together in Group C, Manchester City won the home fixture 3–1 despite an early opener from Porto's Luis Díaz. The return fixture in Portugal ended in a stalemate, which secured progression for both sides: “Porto advanced to the knockout stage of the Champions League with a 0-0 draw against already-qualified Manchester City, whose point assured the English team a first-place finish in Group C. 

Form breakdown's 

FC Porto Form:

Under head coach Francesco Farioli, FC Porto have built an absolute fortress to start the season, racking up a 7-match winning streak across all competitions. They have been near-flawless at both ends of the pitch: 

• Defensive Lockout: Prior to their most recent match, Porto kept four consecutive clean sheets in the league. They have only conceded one goal domestically all season.
• Attacking Spark: Key playmakers like Gabri Veiga and clinical forwards such as William Gomes have fueled an offense that has scored 11 goals over their five league fixtures.
• Last Match: A hard-fought 2–1 victory against Moreirense on 4 September, preserving their 100% record.

1. 1 Aug 2026 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira SC União Torreense W 1–0 
2. 9 Aug 2026 Liga Portugal (Matchday 1)F.C. Alverca Home W 2–0 
3. 15 Aug 2026 Liga Portugal (Matchday 2)Rio Ave F.C.Away W 2–0 
4. 23 Aug 2026 Liga Portugal (Matchday 3)F.C. Arouca Home W2–0 
5. 29 Aug 2026 Liga Portugal (Matchday 4) Académico de Viseu Away W 3–0
6. 4 Sep 2026 Liga Portugal (Matchday 5) Moreirense F.C.Home W 2–1

Manchester City's Form: 

Now led by new head coach Enzo Maresca, Manchester City bounced back incredibly well from a 3–0 Community Shield defeat against Arsenal to assert complete dominance in the Premier League. 

• 3 wins from 3 matches in the Premier League.
• Haaland on Fire: Erling Haaland continues to be an unstoppable focal point upfront, already finding his scoring rhythm early in the campaign.
• Controlled Domination: City have consistently choked out opponents using heavy possession, holding 78% possession in their most recent domestic fixture.
• Last Match: A patient 1–0 win over Coventry City at the Etihad on 5 September, ensuring they travel to Portugal with a flawless domestic record.

1. 16 Aug 2026 FA Community Shield Arsenal Neutral L 0–3 Missed out on the season's opening silverware.
2. 23 Aug 2026 Premier League (Matchday 1) AFC Bournemouth Home W 2–1Late goals from Guéhi and Joško Gvardiol sealed a dramatic comeback win.
3. 28 Aug 2026 Premier League (Matchday 2) Crystal Palace Away W 4–1 A dominant attacking showcase to secure City's biggest win of the season.
4. 5 Sep 2026 Premier League (Matchday 3) Coventry City Home W 1–0 A 26th-minute Erling Haaland goal ensured all 3 points in a heavy possession match (78%).

Potential Lineups

FC Porto Potential Lineup (4-3-3)

Manager Francesco Farioli has to make a few forced adjustments. Defender Jan Bednarek is suspended following a red card carried over from last season’s Europa League. Midfielder Victor Froholdt is also out after being knocked unconscious against Moreirense.

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Alberto Costa, Nehuen Pérez, Jakub Kiwior, Francisco Moura
• Midfielders: Pablo Rosario, Sekou Fofana, Gabriel Veiga
• Forwards: William Gomes, André Silva, Pepê

Manchester City Potential Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Manager Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate slightly with a massive Manchester Derby looming on Sunday. Jeremy Doku (calf) and Nico O'Reilly (back) are confirmed absentees after missing Monday's final training session.

• Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
• Defenders: Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guéhi, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol (or Rayan Aït-Nouri)
• Defensive Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi
• Attacking Midfielders: Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden (or Iliman Ndiaye)
• Striker: Erling Haaland

Injury and Suspensions

FC Porto: 

• Jan Bednarek (Suspended): Missing the first two matches of the Champions League league phase. His suspension rolls over due to “a red card against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League last season.” [Manchester Evening News].
• Victor Froholdt (Injured - Head): Ruled out under strict UEFA concussion safety protocol after being knocked unconscious during their domestic match against Moreirense.
• Samu Aghehowa (Injured - Knee): Out with a long-term ACL injury.
• Vasco Sousa & Oskar Pietuszewski (Injured - Leg): Both depth players are sidelined with lower leg injuries.
• Gabriel Mec (Injured - Groin): Sidelined for this fixture.

Manchester City: 

• Jeremy Doku (Injured - Calf): Sidelined with a lingering calf injury.
• Nico O'Reilly (Injured - Back): Left out of the 22-man travelling squad. He pulled out of the warmup before Saturday's domestic match with a minor back issue.
• Midfielder Iliman Ndiaye, who suffered from severe cramps over the weekend, has recovered and is fully available.

Players to watch