In their fifth game in Group F, Manchester City host Dutch giants Feyenoord Rotterdam in their last group game at the Etihad Stadium.
Going into this tie, Manchester City are at the top of their group, having won all of their Champions League games so far this season. Feyenoord on the other hand, will try to salvage an unlikely Europa League spot as both qualification places for the Round Of 16 are beyond their reach.
The Dutch giants have failed to win any of their Champions League matches this season and have 0 points to their name. For City, is it only a matter of securing a top spot in the group ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk, which they will should they win tonight.
Manchester City are currently at the top of the English Premier League, and they have a 8 point lead over second placed Manchester United. Feyenoord on the other hand, are placed 7th in the Eredivisie, a good 14 points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester City
Benjamin Mendy and John Stones are sure to miss out. Vincent Kompany is also unlikely to feature due to injury. Besides these players, Guardiola has a fully fit squad. However, he may choose to rotate his starting XI and allow some other players to impress in the Champions League.
Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi are likely to come into the center of defence, while Danilo may be brought in at right-back to allow Kyle Walker some rest. Fabian Delph is the only one that is expected to retain his place in the back four.
Yaya Toure is expected to come into the squad ahead of Fernandinho, Bernardo Silva is expected to replace Raheem Sterling at right wing and Sergio Aguero may replace Gabriel Jesus upfront. David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane are all expected to retain their squad.
Probable Lineup (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Danilo, Nicolas Otamendi, Eliaquim Mangala, Fabian Delph; Yaya Toure; Bernardo Silva, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane; Sergio Aguero
Feyenoord
Karim El Ahmadi is suspended, while Eric Botteghin and Jan-Arie van der Heijden are injured and hence, have not travelled with the squad. However, Renato Tapia has returned to the squad and is also likely to start tonight.
Goalkeeper Brad Jones is expected to retain his place in the starting XI, as are Ridgeciano Haps, Jeremiah St. Juste and Bart Nieuwkoop. Renato Tapia is expected to come in for Sven van Beek. Sofyan Amrabat is exptected to come into midfield for the suspended Karim El Ahmadi.
Jens Toornstra and Tonny Vilhena are also expected to hold on to their places in midfield, with Toornstra in a more advanced role. Sam Larsson and Steven Berghuis are expected to start on the wings, while Michiel Kramer is expected to replace Nicolai Jorgensen upfront, after the striker is reported to be unwell.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Brad Jones; Bart Nieuwkoop, Renato Tapia, Jeremiah St.Juste, Ridgeciano Haps; Tonny Vilhena, Jens Toornstra, Sofyan Amrabat; Steven Berghuis, Michiel Kramer, Sam Larsson
Key Statistics
- Feyenoord have lost their last 11 matches in the UEFA Champions League.
- Manchester City have scored a minimum of 2 goals in their last 4 UEFA Champions League matches.
- Feyenoord have conceded 12 goals in 4 UEFA Champions League games this season.
- Manchester City have won all but 1 of the 18 matches they played this season – a 1:1 draw against Everton in the Premier League.
- Manchester City have scored 12 goals in 4 UEFA Champions League games this season.
Player To Watch
Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian has been in stunning form this season and has been an integral part of Manchester City’s stunning form this season. With 4 goals and 9 assists this season, De Bruyne has been involved in 13 goals in a mere 17 games this season.
Guardiola will likely rotate his squad a little for this tie, but the Belgian is expected to keep his place in midfield. Arguably the Citizens’ most important player, if Feyenoord are to try and get a result, they will definitely need to try and restrict his influence on the game.
Prediction
Manchester City 3-0 Feyenoord
The Citizens are currently unbeaten this season and it is unlikely that they be stopped tonight at the hands of a Feyenoord side that have won only 1 of their last 8 matches. City do have a few injuries to deal with, but they have far too much quality within their squad to let their problems affect their performance. We predict an easy City win, much like the first leg of this tie.