Manchester City is looking to continue their race for another title in the Champions League with a win against FC Copenhagen. This is not impossible though, as Man City took home a 3-1 win during their first leg against Copenhagen. Man City currently have a two-goal lead, and are going to protect that lead in this match. Additionally, Man City is inching closer for another title, which gives them eagerness to win in this match. Meanwhile, for Copenhagen, they are coming into this match in full spirit, as they are aiming to overturn their results. However, things will not be easy for Copenhagen, as they are currently in a two-game losing run. The meeting between these two teams is on March 7, 2024, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8).
Manchester City
Man City secured their 17th victory of a 19-game unbeaten run, beating Manchester United 3-1 at the Etihad. The hosts secured three points with a second-half brace from Phil Foden, deemed the best player in the Premier League by manager Pep Guardiola. With 11 Premier League games remaining, Man City currently sits second in the table and one point behind leaders Liverpool. They face Newcastle United in an FA Cup quarter-final tie, but must focus on the Champions League to secure a safe passage through to the quarter-finals for the seventh consecutive season. Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Foden helped Man City win against Copenhagen on February 13. The Citizens will now aim to become the third team in Champions League history to register at least 10 consecutive wins in the competition.
Man City’s Jack Grealish is an injury absentee, but Josko Gvardiol’s return to the squad could boost the Citizens’ chances. Guardiola may make changes to the starting lineup, considering their two-goal advantage over Copenhagen and Liverpool’s trip, with Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, and Julian Alvarez potentially starting.
FC Copenhagen
Copenhagen, competing in the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time since 2010-11, had a strong start to their last-16 first-leg tie with Manchester City. Despite a strong performance from debutant Magnus Mattsson, they were ultimately defeated by Bernardo and Foden. Head coach Jacob Neestrup acknowledged that Man City were a level or two above the opponents they faced in the group. Copenhagen has since won back-to-back Danish Superliga victories, but suffered a 2-0 away defeat to leaders Midtjylland, slipping three points behind the summit. The Nordic team aims to create history by winning away from home against English opposition in European competition, but their record of not winning a Champions League away game since December 2016 and being thrashed 5-0 the last time they visited the Etihad in October 2022 will be a challenge.
Copenhagen midfielders Lukas Lerager, Theo Sander, Davit Khocholava, and Viktor Claesson are all set to miss the Etihad match due to injuries. Emil Hojlund, the brother of Manchester striker Rasmus Hojlund, is doubtful. Andreas Cornelius, Jordan Larsson, or Roony Bardghji could lead the line.
Prediction:
Manchester City (1.5)
Odds: -0.87
Manchester City to win on 5-2 aggregate
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