FC Copenhagen – Manchester City : Preview & Prediction
It’s time for the 1/8th finals, and Manchester City’s trip to Denmark to face FC Copenhagen in the first leg is more complicated than expected. In the 2022-2023 season, the Citizens failed to win at Parken Stadium (0-0), but the Danes were humiliated a week earlier at the Etihad Stadium (5-0). The reigning European champions, unbeaten against FC Copenhagen in 4 meetings, are aiming for victory in Denmark to take their chances of reaching the quarter-finals of this year’s UEFA Champions League.
FC Copenhagen, 3rd in the Danish Superliga, are still in the midst of their winter break, but the Neestrup-based outfit are playing friendlies and the Atlantic Cup. Diogo Gonçalves’ side (5 goals) have won just 3 of their 6 games so far in 2024, drawing 1 with Rangers (2-2) and losing 1 to Sparta Prague (0-2) in friendlies before losing the Atlantic Cup to Brondby (1-2). Manchester City are unbeaten in just over two months, and Guardiola’s side are on a 10-match winning streak, with their most recent victories coming against Burnley (3-1), Brentford (1-3) and Everton (2-0) on Saturday.
FC Copenhagen will have a number of absentees when they take on the 2023 European Champions at home: Babacar, Jelert (yellow cards), Khocholava (knee), Lerager (red card) and Meling (muscle injury) will not be on the scoresheet. Pep Guardiola can be satisfied with having a full squad for this European fixture, and the infirmary is therefore empty. Denmark’s defense has been struggling in recent weeks, conceding 12 goals in their last 6 games. Midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi has been in fine form, scoring 5 goals in 2 Atlantic Cup matches on February 4 and 8. Manchester City have scored 29 goals in their last 10 outings and will be able to count on Haaland, back from injury and scorer of 2 goals and 1 assist in 3 games since his return to the pitch. Belgian midfielder Kévin De Bruyne has made a remarkable comeback, providing 5 assists and scoring 1 goal in 6 matches since his return to the team on January 7 after a lengthy 5-month lay-off.
FC Copenhagen – Manchester City : Betting Tips
Manchester City – Win Odds: 1.35
