Manchester City will host FC Copenhagen in a UEFA Champions League clash later tonight as Pep Guardiola’s side hope to cruise through into the Quarterfinals of this season’s UCL.
The defending champions are already 3-1 up going into the second leg against the Danish side and are placed in a beautiful position to seamlessly pull through into the next round.
With a top-of-the-table Premier League clash at the weekend as the Blues from Manchester look to visit Anfield Stadium to face Liverpool at the weekend, it is expected that Pep will look to rotate his squad. This could hand the visitors an opportunity to spring across and cause trouble at the Etihad Stadium.
City comes into the mid-week clash on back of another high-intensity game against Manchester United on Sunday where they had to come back into the game following a terrific goal from Marcus Rashford. Erling Haaland’s goal in the injury time sealed the game for City and the more important three points on the Premier League table.
When & Where?
Date: Wednesday, 6th March, 2024.
Time: 20:00 HRS GMT kick-off time.
Venue: Etihad Stadium.
Match Referees
Referee: Espen Eskås.
Assistants: Isaak Elias Bashevkin, Anders Olav Dale.
VAR: Dennis Higler.
Assistant VAR: Rob Dieperink.
Fourth Official: Rohit Saggi.
Team News
Following Josko Gvardiol’s return to the squad at the weekend at the Derby, Jack Grealish is the only absentee in Manchester City’s squad going into tonight’s game. However, City are expected to rotate a bit with one eye on the weekend’s fixture and the likes of Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes and Julian Alvarez may be given a run-in. While Phil Foden could also be rested despite being in fine touch.
For Copenhagen, Lukas Lerager will continue to be absent for the clash – this time though with an injury as he is now free of suspension. All three of Davit Khocholava, Theo Sander, and Viktor Claesson may also miss the game.
Man City wins: 3
Draws: 2
Copenhagen wins: 0
Key Players
Julian Alvarez
The Argentine World Cup winner has been in tremendous touch this season. Although his involvement has become limited since Kevin de Bruyne returned from injury, his form can be capitalised on. Pep Guardiola has also preferred Doku on the left lately though the 24-year-old can be preferred for tonight’s game. Alvarez is good with his run-ins, take ons, and understanding the spaces while going inside on the ball. His services should come crucial if he were to start today.
Manchester City vs FC Copenhagen – Predicted XI
Man City predicted lineup vs Copenhagen: Ederson, Rico Lewis, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne; Alvarez, Haaland, Matheus Nunes.
Copenhagen predicted lineup vs Man City: Grabara; Jelert, Vavro, McKenna, Diks; Goncalves, Falk, Mattsson; Elyounoussi, Larsson, Achouri.