The UEFA Champions League resumes with mouth-watering action, kicking off the knockout stage with the defending champions, Manchester City set to take on FC Copenhagen at Parken Stadium on Tuesday night.
Copenhagen hosts the treble winners to their home in the Round-of-16, first-leg fixture. They finished second in a challenging Group A, alongside Manchester United, Galatasaray, and Bayern Munich, securing 8 points with two wins and two draws outshining both the Red Devils and the Turkish side, progressing to the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, with their top-notch performances, secured victories in all of their group-stage matches, boasting a 100% win record. They finished as Group G winners with 18 points, stepping into the Last-16 to continue their title defense. Additionally, they are in top form in the Premier League, amassing an array of wins.
Notably, these two sides have faced each other four times, and the Danish champions are still seeking their first win over the Citizens, with 2 draws and 2 defeats in all their previous encounters. The English side will view this fixture as an opportunity to secure their third victory over the Lions.
When and Where?
Date: Tuesday 13 Feb, 2024
Time: 20:00 HRS BST
Venue: Parken, Copenhagen
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Raúl Cabañero
Assistants referees: Iñigo Prieto & Juan Martínez Munuera
VAR: Guillermo Cuadra
Fourth Official: Cesar Soto Grado
Team news
The hosts will miss their key midfielder, Lukas Lerager who played every single minute of the group stage and scored three crucial goals due to red card suspension. He will be joined on the sidelines by Davit Khocholava and Theo Sander, both of whom are out with knee injuries. Also, Birger Meling is doubtful as he is nursing a muscle injury.
The visitors’ star-studded squad will be in full swing with no injuries or absences on the list. Their recent absentee, the prolific Norwegian striker, made an astonishing return after missing several games and will be eager to start for his side on Tuesday.
Match Analysis
The Danish champions have not played any competitive fixtures since their final group stage 1-0 victory over Galatasaray two months ago, as their domestic league has yet to resume following the midseason break. Nonetheless, they face a significant challenge that awaits the side managed by Jacob Neestrup after sneaking into the knockout stage, going up against the world champions.
The Danish boss is expected to employ his regular 4-3-3 attacking setup, with Kamil Grabara in goal and a reliable back-line featuring. The center-back pairing of Kevin Diks and Denis Vavro, with Peter Ankersen and Elias Jelert as full-backs on either side of the defense, fortifies their defensive structure.
In midfield, Viktor Claesson steps into the boots of the suspended Lukas Lerager, alongside Diogo Goncalves and Rasmus Falk. The attacking third will showcase the promising talent of Roony Bardghji, with Mohamed Elyounoussi and Elias Achouri providing support as wide attacking wingers.
The English Champions are in dazzling form, with a run of triumphs across all competitions. Their squad is at full strength, peaking with confidence as all their key players have recovered and are eager to continue their title defense in the second half of the season, as they take on a resurgent Copenhagen.
The Pep Guardiola-led Citizens are likely to adopt an attacking 4-3-3 formation, with Ederson in goal behind a versatile back four. Kyle Walker and Joško Gvardiol are expected to feature as full-backs, maintaining their spots in the lineup. The solid defensive pairing of Ruben Dias and John Stones will anchor the center of the backline.
Rodri is to be tasked with the defensive midfielder role, teaming up with the creativity of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. This duo is known for their versatility and ability to roam freely in the middle of the park. Phil Foden, the hat-trick hero against Brentford, will take the left side with Jérémy Doku on the right, and Erling Haaland spearheading the attack as the target man.
KEY PLAYERS
Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian international has lit up the pitch ever since his return from a lengthy layoff last month, displaying astonishing form. He has made remarkable contributions with 7 goals in all of his 7 outings, including assists in his last four league matches.
The 32-year-old attacking midfielder’s presence in the lineup will be an added advantage for Manchester City at Parken Stadium. Excelling in his playmaking role, he will be making his first European appearance since last season’s final and aims to dazzle on the occasion with yet another impactful performance.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Copenhagen predicted lineup: Grabara; Ankersen, Diks, Vavro, Jelert; Goncalves, Falk, Claesson; Elyounoussi, Bardghji, Achouri
Manchester City predicted lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Doku, Haaland, Foden