RB Leipzig is hosting Manchester City at the Red Bull Arena in the second round of the Champions League.
Leipzig's team is coming into this match in excellent form, having won four of their last five games. However, they faced a setback when they squandered a two-goal lead against Bayern Munich over the weekend, ending in a 2-2 draw. They were also on the wrong end of a 0-7 defeat against Manchester City in their previous encounter.
On the other hand, Manchester City's recent performance shows a slight shift from their previous winning streak. After enjoying a series of victories, they experienced a loss to Newcastle and Wolves, leaving them with three wins and two defeats in their recent matches. The top bookmakers in India have fantastic Champions League odds with them.
Julian Alvarez has been in scintillating form for Manchester City, contributing to an impressive 18.6% of their shots on target in all competitions so far.
The betting tip is...
Julian Alvarez to score a goal
58 %
42 %
Leipzig is eager to return to the Red Bull Arena, where they have had an impressive record of 12 wins and three draws in their most recent home games across all competitions. However, they will be missing key players due to injuries. Timo Werner, Dani Olmo, Kevin Kampl, and Willi Orban won't be available for the home team.
One player who has stood out is Xavi Simons, making a significant impact with a total of 7 goals and assists combined. He's been a standout performer for Leipzig.
Caden Clark is doubtful to start against Manchester City.
Predicted Lineup: Janis Blaswich, Xavi Simons, Emil Forsberg, Lois Openda, Yussuf Poulsen, Mohamed Simakan, Castello Lukeb, Benjamin Henrichs , David Raum , Kevin Kampl, Xaver Schlager.
Manchester City seems to be facing difficulties when playing away from home, as they recently suffered losses in their last two away matches against Wolverhampton in the Premier League and Newcastle in the EFL Cup.
Adding to their challenges, key players like John Stones and Bernardo Silva are unavailable. Furthermore, Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined due to a persistent injury. It's important to note that an away victory might be challenging to achieve, especially with pivotal midfielder Rodri serving a domestic suspension.
Rodri is expected to start for Manchester City
Predicted Lineup: Ederson, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, Sergio Gomez, Matheus Nunes, Rodri, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland
Manchester City is currently in exceptional form, asserting their dominance with an impressive average possession rate of 66.67%, showcasing their control and authority on the field.
One of the main reasons behind City's formidable attacking prowess is Julian Alvarez, a player capable of dismantling any opponent. Alvarez, with a remarkable offensive contribution of 7 goals and assists combined, stands out as the most significant threat that RB Leipzig will have to contend with.
On the other hand, RB Leipzig has the potential to be a formidable force, especially on their best days. Janis Blaswich, who has made significant contributions by saving 12 goals, presents a noteworthy challenge for City's attack. As the game nears its end, all signs suggest that Manchester City is securing a strong and commanding lead, emphasizing their dominance on the field.
