Prediction: RB Leipzig vs Manchester City
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Looking to pick up a Champions League first-leg advantage in Germany on Wednesday night, Manchester City will make the trip to RB Leipzig.
RB Leipzig
Starting with the hosts, while RB Leipzig might have been left hugely frustrated by their 2-1 loss at home against Union Berlin on February 11th, Marco Rose’s men came roaring back last weekend. Picking up some perfect momentum as they breezed their way to an eye-catching 3-0 romp away at Wolfsburg, the former Borussia Dortmund boss has seen his side impress many on either side of the World Cup break. Along with opening February with a 3-1 victory against Hoffenheim as they extended on their DFP Pokal adventure, the Whites will be desperate to spring a major upset on Wednesday night. Now losing just one of their previous 20 matchups across all formats – a run that stems all the way back to September 17th – the mood in Rose’s camp should be at a real high. Likewise, booking their Champions League knockout stage ticket after claiming a thrilling 3-2 win against defending European champions Real Madrid, Leipzig will be seeking a repeat display here.
Team News
RB Leipzig have already confirmed that they will be without the trio of Peter Gulacsi, Dani Olmo and Abdou Diallo when they open their knockout stage adventure on Wednesday night.
However, in what looks set to be a timely boost for Rose’s squad, the duo of Christopher Nkunku and Konrad Laimer could be handed a full return following respective injury issues.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have been smelling the chance to keep up their recent momentum last weekend, Pep Guardiola’s side were disappointed to have settled for a 1-1 draw away at Nottingham Forest. Sacrificing their spot at the top of the Premier League table, the Sky Blues are still seeking some much-needed stability over the coming months. Along with opening February with a toothless 1-0 loss at the hands of Tottenham, the former Barcelona boss faces what could be a real uphill struggle in 2023. Although the Premier League giants might have booked their Champions League knockout stage ticket without breaking much of a sweat, it should be noted that City have shown some extended European issues on foreign soil. Including that remarkable last-gasp collapse away at Real Madrid last season, Guardiola’s superstars have now won just two of their previous seven Champions League showdowns away from the Etihad.
Team News
Still dealing with a long-term hamstring injury, England international John Stones will once again miss out here. However, aside from the ex-Barnsley starlet, Guardiola’s side have been handed a clean bill of health.
Recording five Champions League strikes during City’s group stage romp, Erling Haaland will spearhead Guardiola’s attack on Wednesday night. The likes of Riyad Mahrez will be hoping for a full recall in midweek.
Key Factors to Consider
When the two sides last met on Champions League duties back in December 2021, RB Leipzig picked up a 2-1 victory on home soil.
Manchester City have won just a pair of their previous seven Champions League showdowns away from the Etihad.
RB Leipzig have lost just one of their previous 20 straight matchups across all formats – a run that stems back to September 17th.
The Premier League giants have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their last five away fixtures across all formats.
Each of Leipzig’s last six Champions League home fixtures have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While it might be Manchester City who open Wednesday’s showdown tipped as a standout pick, the Premier League giants should be bracing themselves for a tricky test on foreign soil. Remarkably winning just a pair of their last seven Champions League matchups away from the Etihad, some in RB Leipzig’s camp could be smelling the chance to spring another major upset. Claiming a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Guardiola’s side to Germany back in December 2021, the Whites have also continued to shine on either side of the World Cup break. It should be noted, with Wednesday’s hosts seeing each of their last six Champions League home fixtures finish with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
