Maresca's Bold Starting XI for Manchester City's Champions League Opener

Enzo Maresca has laid his cards on the table in Porto – and he’s not played it safe.

On a humid Tuesday night at the Estadio do Dragao, the Manchester City manager has rolled out a bold starting XI for their opening match in the new league phase of the UEFA Champions League, making three changes from the side that beat Coventry last Saturday.

Bouaddi’s big step

All eyes fall on Ayoub Bouaddi.

The young Moroccan, long talked about inside the club, finally gets his first City start. He comes in for Elliot Anderson, who drops to the bench, and walks straight into one of the most intimidating arenas in European football. No gentle introduction. This is Porto, under the lights, with the Champions League anthem still echoing around the stands.

Maresca has not been shy. He’s trusted youth on a night when many coaches would cling to experience.

Foden in, Nunes returns

Phil Foden also gets the nod. Preferred ahead of Iliman Ndiaye, Foden steps into the side as another statement of intent. Ndiaye, who started at the weekend, has to settle for a place among the substitutes.

At right-back, Matheus Nunes returns to the starting eleven, replacing Abdukodir Khusanov. Nunes’ inclusion hints at a more adventurous approach down the flank, with his energy and drive likely key against a Porto team that rarely sits back at home.

Enzo Fernandez keeps his place

In midfield, Enzo Fernandez starts his second consecutive match since his record £125 million move from Chelsea. The fee has followed him into every conversation since he arrived; nights like this are where he can start to shift the narrative from price tag to performance.

New signing Alan, meanwhile, will have to wait. He begins on the bench, another option if the tempo of the game demands fresh legs and a different rhythm later on.

The XIs at the Dragao

Maresca’s Manchester City line-up:

Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Bouaddi; Enzo, Cherki; Foden, Haaland, Semenyo.

Porto answer with a side built for a fight on home turf:

Costa; Varela, Perez, Kivor, Alberto Costa; Rosario, Fernandez, Vega; Gomes, Silva, Pepe.

A fearless youngster, a record signing, and a reshaped right flank. Maresca has made his moves. Now the Dragao will decide whether he’s been brave or reckless.