Manchester City Qualification Scenarios as they face Porto in Champions League

Although many Manchester City fans would love to see a glimpse of the promising academy team that thumped Liverpool 7-2 at the weekend, they may have to wait a little longer as only Tommy Doyle has travelled with the squad to Portugal.

Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

If City get just a draw against Porto who are currently fourth in the Primeira Liga, they have topped the group, regardless of what happens in the final match of the group stage. If City lose by a score line better than 3-1, they will still control the group but the result against Marseille in the final game of the group will matter. A score line worse than 3-1 and Porto will gain control.

Photo by MB Media/Getty Images

However, it may be irrelevant whether City go through the group first or second as it will likely be a tough draw for the Blues either way. As things stand, prior to match week five of the Champions League, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain all sit second in their respective groups. None of these teams would be a team City will want to face, however, as Pep knows to win the Champions League you have to beat the best.

Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images

With the round of 16 in this year’s Champions League looking tougher than ever, Pep and the team will be thankful to just have the one current injury, even if it is Sergio Aguero. Aguero did not train ahead of tonight’s match, however Guardiola said at his pre-match conference he “is not concerned” and it is just “some disturbance in his knee”.