Manchester City – FC Copenhagen : Preview & Prediction
Manchester City will still be celebrating their dominant 6-3 win over Manchester United when they host Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium. This match now represents an opportunity for Pep Guardiola’s side to not only strengthen their position at the top of UEFA Champions League (UCL) Group G after winning their first two games, but also to maintain their impressive official unbeaten run that began after their Community Shield defeat to Liverpool in July (G8, E2).
This will be City’s first UCL encounter against Danish opposition, and you can understand why they are being heavily backed to make it a winning start as well. The Citizens have avoided defeat in each of their last 21 UCL home games (G19, E2), which represents the best home unbeaten run in the UCL of any English side since 2009. They also boast a remarkable record of scoring at least once in 34 group stage matches at home.
You could call this a UCL baptism of fire in Copenhagen for new coach Jacob Neestrup, who replaced Jess Thorup before the international break. Thorup’s sacking came after the Danish champions had gone on a four-game winless streak, two of which came in this competition away to Borussia Dortmund (P 3-0) and then at home to Sevilla (E 0-0), leaving them third and five points behind City.
Considering City’s attacking capabilities, Copenhagen would surely settle for another 0-0 draw here. However, if the tie is to be broken, then one would expect it to be on the home side’s side, given that the visitors have failed to score in five of their last six away meetings in the UCL (G1, E3, P2).
Players to watch: Erling Haaland’s 26th UCL goal in 21 appearances in the competition last time out will be remembered for the brilliant finish, but the spectacular pass that led to the goal was provided by João Cancelo. That was his eighth (two goals, six assists) goal contribution in the UCL since the start of last season. Trying to keep those two out will be Copenhagen goalkeeper Matt Ryan, who has conceded 21 goals in his last seven games against City.
Key stat: A City win would mean they have beaten teams from 15 of the 16 different countries they have faced, failing only against Scottish sides so far.
Manchester City – FC Copenhagen : Betting Tips
OVER 6.5 GOALS Odds: 10.25
