Enzo Maresca's Bold Line-Up Against Porto

Enzo Maresca has rolled the dice in Portugal.

On a humid Tuesday night at the Estadio do Dragao, the Manchester City manager named an adventurous side to open their league phase campaign in the UEFA Champions League against Porto, making three changes from the team that beat Coventry last Saturday.

Bold call on Bouaddi

The headline decision belongs to Ayoub Bouaddi. The young Moroccan, long tipped as one to watch, is handed his first City start, coming in for Elliot Anderson, who drops to the bench. It is a statement of trust from Maresca on one of the biggest stages available.

Phil Foden also returns to the XI. Preferred to Iliman Ndiaye, the England international is restored to the starting line-up, with Ndiaye among the substitutes after beginning the weekend win.

The final alteration comes at right-back. Matheus Nunes steps back into the side, replacing Abdukodir Khusanov, as Maresca looks for more control and incision from wide areas.

Enzo Fernandez keeps his place

At the heart of midfield, Enzo Fernandez continues his rapid integration. The record £125 million signing from Chelsea starts his second consecutive match, anchoring the middle of the pitch again as City look to dictate the tempo away from home. New signing Alan must wait for his full debut, named on the bench.

With Erling Haaland leading the line and creative talent stacked behind him, City’s set-up leans heavily towards attacking Porto rather than feeling their way into the contest.

Confirmed line-ups

Manchester City starting XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Bouaddi; Enzo; Cherki, Foden, Haaland, Semenyo.

Porto starting XI: Costa; Varela, Perez, Kivor, Alberto Costa; Rosario, Fernandez; Vega, Gomes, Silva, Pepe.

Under the lights in Porto, with a bold selection and a debutant thrust into the spotlight, Maresca has made his intentions clear: City are here to impose themselves, not just participate.