Manchester City have confirmed their starting lineup for the opening match of the new Champions League season against Porto. Enzo Maresca has made several changes from their recent Premier League outings.
Erling Haaland remains the focal point of City's attack, starting from the first minute despite Maresca's comments about the need to manage his workload amidst a congested fixture schedule.
Supporting Haaland from behind will be an attacking trio comprising Phil Foden, Ryan Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo, with Enzo Fernandez also earning a starting spot in a more advanced position.
In midfield, Maresca has placed his trust in Elliott Anderson and young Ayoub Bouadji, while the backline will consist of Josko Gvardiol, Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias, and Abdulkodir Kusanov. Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to take his place in goal.
The starting XI for City is as follows:
Donnarumma; Gvardiol, Guehi, Dias, Kusanov; Anderson, Bouadji; Foden, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.
Maresca gives youth a chance
For Bouadji, this represents one of the most significant matches early in his Manchester career. Maresca had previously indicated the importance of giving young players game time in the Champions League.
Also included in the squad are Ryan McAide, Vitor Reis, Rico Lewis, Mateus, Allan, and Mateo Kovacic. However, several players are missing from the lineup due to injuries, with Nico O'Reilly sidelined after a back issue sustained during the warm-up before the Coventry match. Jeremy Doku is also still recovering from a calf injury.
Porto also missing key players
The hosts will adopt a 4-3-3 formation.
Diogo Costa will guard the goal for Porto, backed by defenders Alberto Costa, Nehuen Perez, Jakub Kiwior, and Fransisco Moura.
The midfield trio will feature Pepe, Pablo Rosario, and Gabriel Veiga, with the attacking line including William Gomes, Andre Silva, and Pepe.
The starting XI for Porto is:
Diogo Costa; Alberto Costa, Nehuen Perez, Kiwior, Fransisco Moura; Rosario, Varela, Veiga; William Gomes, Andre Silva, Pepe.
Porto are also facing several absences, with Jan Bednarek missing due to suspension and Viktor Froholdt sidelined with a concussion. Other players out include Samu Agyehova, Zaidu Sanusi, Gabriel Mess, and Oscar Pietruszewski.
Maresca's first European match in charge of City
This encounter at Estádio do Dragão will mark Enzo Maresca's first Champions League match as Manchester City's head coach.
The team heads into the game with a perfect record in the Premier League, having won all three of their opening matches, while Porto also began their national campaign with five consecutive victories.
The match kicks off at 21:00 CET, 20:00 BST, and 22:00 MSK.
