Pep Guardiola will field his strongest Manchester City side in Porto this evening — despite having already qualified for the knockout phase.
City have taken maximum points from their four European outings this term, netting an impressive 10 goals and only conceding once as they hunt down an elusive first Champions League crown.
With progression from Group C assured, stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Ruben Dias may have been anticipating a night off.
But while Guardiola, 49, accepts his side’s main objective has been achieved, the Spaniard (pictured above) has no intention of taking things easy in Portugal.
He said: "We have 19 players in the first team fit and all of them will travel.
"Porto are a really difficult opponent and we are going to need the best players possible.
"We go there to get the first place in the group stage. But I admit, the important thing is already done — to qualify.
"We will try to maintain our rhythm. The Premier League is the main priority, in general terms. But this game must be played in the best conditions possible."
City fell behind early in the reverse fixture before coming back to secure a 3-1 win — and Guardiola is anticipating a difficult night at the Estadio do Dragao.
He added: "It's normal, playing in the Champions League away — we know it. They are one of the top teams in Portugal.
"It was the same with Olympiacos. They have to win every weekend and, when you have this mentality, it makes them so dangerous."
The reigning Portuguese champions have endured a slow start to their Primeira Liga campaign and are currently six points behind leaders Sporting Lisbon in fourth.
But Porto have won both previous European home games without conceding and will qualify should they avoid defeat this evening.
The hosts must do without the suspended Marko Grujic, while experienced defender Pepe is also a doubt due to a foot problem.
City are without record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who continues to suffer with knee issues and has been left in Manchester.
Nathan Ake could return from a knock and academy prospect Tommy Doyle, 19, is also in the travelling ranks.
Did you know?
Porto have lost their three previous meetings with City by an aggregate score of 9-2, conceding at least two goals in each game.
Sergio Oliveira has netted in each of his last three Champions League appearances for Porto.
City have already kept three clean sheets in the competition this season — more than they managed in nine outings last term.
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