Prediction: Manchester City vs RB Leipzig

Verdict: Manchester City win and both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Luckster

Simply looking to make another Champions League statement on Tuesday night, Manchester City will welcome RB Leipzig to the Etihad.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, left frustrated over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against historic rivals Liverpool, Manchester City will be excited to turn their attention back to Champions League duties here. Making real history last season as they became the first English club since 1999 to be crowned treble champions, Pep Guardiola’s superstar squad have their sights firmly set on embarking on another European romp this season. Already breezing their way to the knockout stage and winning each of their four Group G appearances by an aggregate score of 12-3, the former Barcelona boss will simply be looking to make another statement of intent at the Etihad. Already tipped as a standout contender to defend their maiden Champions League crown in 2024, Guardiola’s men have also gained a fearsome reputation for their clinical performances in the final third.

Team News

Still recovering from a long-term hamstring injury and not expected to feature again until the New Year, Manchester City will once again be without midfield talisman Kevin De Bruyne on Tuesday night. Likewise, sustaining respective muscle blows prior to November’s international break, the duo of Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic are seen as major doubts here.

Once again finding the net against Liverpool over the weekend and continuing to break a string of Premier League records, Erling Haaland will once again spearhead Guardiola’s charge in midweek. The Norwegian icon will be joined in the final third by England international Phil Foden.

RB Leipzig

As for the visitors, while RB Leipzig might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign with their sights set on mounting a genuine Bundesliga title charge, the German giants have struggled with their consistency on either side of November’s international break. Marking their return from the fortnight interval with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Wolfsburg, the Red Bulls will be more than aware that they face another stern examination here. Losing three of their previous five appearances across all formats, Marco Rose’s side will take plenty of solace from their Champions League success this season. Already booking their knockout stage ticket after collecting nine points from their four Group G showdowns this year, Leipzig will simply be looking to spring a famous upset at the Etihad on Tuesday night. However, hit with a 3-1 drumming when they welcomed City to the Red Bull Arena back on October 4th, Rose’s men are rightfully penciled in as a major underdog here.

Team News

Sustaining a shoulder injury last month and missing each of Leipzig’s last five appearances across all competitions, RB Leipzig will once again be without the services of attacking talisman Dani Olmo. Likewise, former Chelsea striker Timo Werner remains on the sidelines with a groin strain.

Continuing to shine since arriving at the Red Bull Arena over the summer, ex-Barcelona starlet Xavi Simons will certainly have a leading role to play on Tuesday night. However, Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho will have to settle for another spot on the bench here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City and RB Leipzig met for their reverse Group G meeting on October 4th, Guardiola’s side collected a 3-1 victory on foreign soil.
• Likewise, the reigning European champions have collected 13 points from their five historic Champions League showdowns against Tuesday’s guests.
• The Sky Blues have won each of their four Champions League appearances this year by an aggregate score of 12-3.
• RB Leipzig have lost three of their previous five appearances across all competitions on either side of November’s international break.
• Erling Haaland has notched four Champions League strikes in as many appearances this season.

Conclusion

While Manchester City might have been disappointed after dropping Premier League points on either side of November’s international break, Guardiola’s side have continued on another stellar European romp. Winning all of their four Group G showdowns by an aggregate score of 12-3, the reigning Champions League winners have booked their knockout stage ticket without breaking much of a sweat. Landing a 3-1 victory when they travelled out to Germany last month, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Manchester City win and both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Luckster