Mario Balotelli was the subject of alleged racist chanting in Porto last week and the Manchester City striker is a top industry priced 5/1 with Totesport to open the scoring in the return leg of the Europa League last 32 tie.
Balotelli hauled City back into the first leg when he forced the mistake from Porto defender Alvaro Pereira that led to their equaliser at the Dragao.
The Italian is likely to be City’s dangerman again (6/1 Two or More goals) as Roberto Mancini prepares to send out a similar line-up to the one he fielded in Portugal – with Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero probably on the bench.
And a fired-up Balotelli against a weakened Porto back four, missing the injured Danilo and the suspended Alvaro Periera, could wreak havoc as City bid to knock out the holders.
Porto will put the emphasis on attack as they look to overturn the 2-1 first-leg deficit and coach Vitor Pereira knows his side will probably have to score at least two goals at the Etihad Stadium.
His most potent weapon is Hulk, the Brazilian striker who set up Varela for the opener last week, and the striker possesses a phenomenal record for grabbing goals away from home.
This season has not been as prolific as last term for the pacy forward, when he scored 14 of his 31 domestic and Europa League goals away from home.
But he has hit the back of the net in three of Porto’s last five away trips and could be worthy of support in the anytime goalscorer market at 9/4.
City have shown vulnerability in the early stages of their European ties, conceding early goals against Napoli and Villarreal in the Champions League while also going behind after 27 minutes of the first leg.
So Hulk to score the first goal (8/1) but Balotelli to score the last goal (4/1) could be a more rewarding play on those markets while Porto to be leading at half-time may also turn out to be profitable.
FC Porto/Draw is available at 12/1 in the Half-time/Full-Time market, but beware that City could catch the visitors on the break if the holders are going for a late winner.
And with City unbeaten in 15 European home fixtures – 12 wins and three draws since a 1-0 Uefa Cup first-round loss against FC Midtjylland on 14 August 2008 – FC Porto/Manchester City should certainly be covered at 25/1 in a smaller-stake bet.
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Juventus have promised to clamp down on any fans who racially abuse Mario Balotelli when they meet Manchester City in the Europa League (City 11/2 – Europa League outright).
Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli has revealed that he is flattered by the recent speculation which has linked him with Premier League rivals Manchester United (12/5 to win the Premier League) and City.