Champions League holders Manchester City will be aiming to bounce back from successive domestic defeats when they face RB Leipzig in a group-stage clash on Wednesday night in Germany.
Match Preview
Both teams currently sit joint top of Group G after winning their opening fixtures two weeks ago.
Manchester City secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Red Star Belgrade, while RB Leipzig defeated Young Boys by the same scoreline.
RB Leipzig has had an impressive start to the season, winning seven, drawing one, and losing only one of their first nine games in all competitions.
Despite the sale of key players, including Josko Gvardiol to Man City, Leipzig has shown resilience and strength.
However, after a strong start, Leipzig’s winning streak in the Bundesliga was interrupted by Bayern Munich, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw.
As a result, Leipzig currently sits fifth in the table, three points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
RB Leipzig will be seeking revenge against reigning champions Manchester City, as they suffered a heavy 8-1 aggregate loss to the English side in the round of 16 last season.
Manchester City, on the other hand, recently experienced back-to-back losses in all competitions after a defeat in the EFL Cup and a 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
This marks a small setback for Pep Guardiola’s team, who had an impressive run of only two losses in their previous 41 games.
Both teams have shown strength in the Champions League, with Manchester City losing only two of their last 30 group-stage matches.
However, Manchester City has struggled in recent visits to Germany, failing to win in their last four trips.
Team news
RB Leipzig may be without midfielder Kevin Kampl due to a hip injury.
Key players Timo Werner, Dani Olmo, Willi Orban, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu are also expected to miss the match due to injuries.
Manchester City will be missing Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones due to hamstring and muscle injuries, respectively.
Bernardo Silva’s availability is doubtful as he recovers from a leg injury.
Potential lineups:
RB Leipzig:
Blaswich;
Henrichs, Simakan, Lukeba, Raum;
Schlager, Seiwald;
Simons, Forsberg;
Poulsen, Openda
Manchester City:
Ederson;
Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol;
Rodri, Kovacic;
Foden, Alvarez, Doku;
Haaland
Prediction:
Despite their previous encounter, we anticipate a closely contested match between RB Leipzig and Manchester City.
RB Leipzig will attempt to breach Manchester City’s defense, but the return of Rodri provides a significant boost for the English champions.
We predict that Manchester City will bounce back from their recent setbacks and secure a victory, especially if Erling Haaland showcases his goal-scoring abilities.
Scores: RB Leipzig 1-2 Manchester City
