The eagerly anticipated clash between Manchester City and RB Leipzig in the Champions League is set to unfold at the Etihad Stadium, pitting the top two teams in Group G against each other on Tuesday evening.
With both sides already securing their place in the knockout stage, the battle for the summit of the group remains undecided. Manchester City currently holds the top spot, sitting three points clear of second-placed Leipzig.
Match Preview
In recent seasons, Manchester City has set exceptionally high standards, but their recent back-to-back Premier League draws against Chelsea and Liverpool might be deemed as below par for Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Despite not leading the division at present—Arsenal currently holds that honor—Manchester City sits closely behind on 29 points after 13 matches, trailing Arsenal’s 30 points.
With a crucial league fixture against Tottenham Hotspur looming, their focus now shifts to the prestigious competition they triumphed in the previous season.
Manchester City remains undefeated in the 2023-24 tournament, winning all four Group G fixtures.
A win or even a draw against Leipzig would cement their first-place position in the group, setting the stage for their final group game against Red Star Belgrade next month.
Having previously defeated Leipzig 3-1 in Germany, Guardiola’s squad has showcased their prowess in the Champions League, having not faced defeat since their 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the 2021-22 campaign’s semi-final.
On the other hand, Leipzig, who notably reached the semi-finals in 2019-20, securing round-of-16 berths on multiple occasions since, is vying for the top spot in the group.
However, facing Manchester City at their home ground, where the Citizens have remained unbeaten in European Cup fixtures since August 2020, poses a significant challenge for the German side.
Leipzig’s recent 2-1 Bundesliga defeat to Wolfsburg places additional pressure on them entering this match, especially considering their inconsistent away form, winning just one of their last four matches on the road.
Manchester City’s Champions League form: WWWW
Manchester City’s form (all competitions): WWWWDD
RB Leipzig’s Champions League form: WLWW
RB Leipzig’s form (all competitions): WLLWWL
Team News
For Manchester City, Jack Grealish’s potential return to the squad looms after missing out against Liverpool due to illness.
Despite injury concerns for Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, John Stones and Sergio Gomez might be available after recent spells on the bench.
RB Leipzig faces injury setbacks, ruling out key players like Timo Werner and Dani Olmo.
Head coach Marco Rose is expected to make minimal changes from their recent league game, with Emil Forsberg likely to be included in the lineup.
Possible Lineups:
Manchester City:(3-2-4-1)
Ederson;
Walker, Dias, Gvardiol;
Rodri, Akanji;
Foden, Alvarez, B Silva, Doku;
Haaland
RB Leipzig:(4-4-2)
Blaswich;
Henrichs, Simakan, Lukeba, Raum;
Simons, Schlager, Haidara, Forsberg;
Openda, Poulsen
Prediction
Despite Leipzig’s commendable performance securing their knockout berth, Manchester City’s quest for first place in the group may prove too formidable for the Bundesliga side.
- Our prediction: Manchester City 3-1 RB Leipzig
