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Manchester City, the reigning Champions League holders, travel to Serbia to face Red Star Belgrade at the Rajko Mitic Stadium for their final Group G fixture on Wednesday night.
The two teams meet for the first time since Manchester City emerged victorious with a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium in September during matchday one.
Match Preview
Red Star Belgrade faces Manchester City for their final European fixture of the 2023-24 campaign, having secured their place at the bottom of Group G after losing four matches and drawing one in the Champions League so far.
Despite their Champions League struggles, Red Star bounced back in their domestic league, claiming three consecutive wins and setting a remarkable unbeaten record of 122 home league games.
For Manchester City, they’ve secured their place in the knockout stages after a string of wins in the Champions League, but their recent domestic form has seen fluctuations, with a crucial comeback victory against Luton Town following a run of draws and a defeat in the Premier League.
Guardiola’s side faces a hectic schedule with several upcoming fixtures across various competitions to close out
the year, including their midweek clash with Red Star and a subsequent Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
Despite already qualifying, City aims to maintain their winning momentum and potentially become the second English club to win all six Champions League group-stage matches in a single season.
Team News
Red Star Belgrade has no reported injury concerns, allowing Bakhar to potentially field a fully-fit squad. Players like Kosta Nedeljkovic and Osman Bukari are expected to feature prominently in the lineup.
Meanwhile, Manchester City faces absences with Erling Haaland out due to a foot injury and Jeremy Doku sidelined with a muscle problem.
Kevin De Bruyne continues his recovery from a hamstring issue. Guardiola might rotate the squad, resting key players, and giving opportunities to others like Julian Alvarez or Oscar Bobb in the absence of Haaland.
Possible Lineups
Red Star Belgrade: (5-3-2)
Glazer;
Nedeljkovic, Djiga, Dragovic, Mijailovic, Rodic;
In-Beom, Stamenic, Ivanic;
Krasso, Bukari
Manchester City: (4-2-3-1)
Ortega;
Lewis, Stones Akanji, Gomez;
Phillips, Kovacic;
Bobb, Nunes, Grealish;
Alvarez
Prediction: Red Star Belgrade 1-3 Manchester City
Red Star aims to end their campaign positively, while Manchester City, despite potential squad rotations, is likely to secure a win. Guardiola’s side has the depth and quality to outscore their opponents and finish the group stage on a high note.
