Champions League opener at the Dragão
Your team opens the Champions League league phase at FC Porto on Tuesday at the Estádio do Dragão (1)(7). Both clubs sit top of their domestic leagues (1). City won all three Premier League games so far, most recently 1–0 at home against Coventry City on Saturday. The bookmakers see this one comfortably: the 0–3 away win is the predicted scoreline for the opener (8).
Maresca's first European night
This is Maresca's first Champions League match as City boss (7). He takes over where Guardiola left off, starting a new era in Europe (5). And he says the new signings will get their minutes in the competition, naming Bouaddi, McAiddo and Iliman Ndiaye as players yet to feature in the Champions League: "They have never played the Champions League, but they need to start" (7).
Haaland question marks
Maresca has hinted Haaland could be rested, even though he is the only senior striker in the squad (3). "Not easy," he said (3). The Norwegian has been described as more important than ever during the club's transition, with a new haircut alongside a new manager (2).
Overloaded midfield, big summer headlined by Enzo Fernandez
City's Champions League campaign follows a summer of spending, headlined by the deadline-day move for Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea (6). The midfield depth could be the key as the European run begins (6).
