Preview:

On November 28, 2023, Manchester City will go head-to-head with RB Leipzig in an exciting Champions League encounter at Etihad Stadium. Both teams have already secured their spots in the knockout stage of the competition, but the battle for first place in Group G is still up for grabs. Let's delve into the preview of this highly anticipated match.

Manchester City's Recent Form:

Manchester City, under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, has been a formidable force in recent years. However, their back-to-back draws against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League have been considered disappointing results. Currently sitting in second place in the league, City will be looking to regain their winning ways in the Champions League.

 ***

In the 2023-24 tournament, Manchester City has been flawless, winning all four of their Group G fixtures. With 12 points, they currently top the group, three points ahead of RB Leipzig. A victory or even a draw in this match would secure first position for City before their final group game against Red Star Belgrade.

 ***

RB Leipzig's Journey:

RB Leipzig, known for their impressive performances in the Champions League, notably reaching the semi-finals in the 2019-20 season, have secured their place in the knockout round of the competition with two games to spare.

 ****

In Group G, Leipzig has accumulated nine points from four matches, securing wins against Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys. However, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in their previous encounter. Leipzig will be determined to overturn that result and clinch the top spot in the group, but they face a tough task against the dominant Manchester City side.

 

Team News and Possible Lineups:

Manchester City could see the return of Jack Grealish to their squad for this match, as he missed their previous game against Liverpool due to illness. John Stones and Sergio Gomez, who recently recovered from their respective injuries, are expected to be available. However, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes remain doubtful for this fixture.

 

RB Leipzig, on the other hand, will be without the services of Timo Werner, Dani Olmo, Willi Orban, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu due to injury. Head coach Marco Rose might make one change from their previous league match, with Emil Forsberg likely to feature in a wide position alongside Yussuf Poulsen in the forward line.

 

Predicted Lineups:

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Akanji; Foden, Alvarez, B Silva, Doku; Haaland

 

RB Leipzig: Blaswich; Henrichs, Simakan, Lukeba, Raum; Simons, Schlager, Haidara, Forsberg; Openda, Poulsen

 

Conclusion:

With both teams already securing their places in the knockout stage, the Manchester City vs. RB Leipzig clash will be crucial in determining the group winner. Manchester City's impeccable form in the Champions League and their unbeaten record at home in European competitions since August 2020 make them the favorites in this encounter. However, RB Leipzig's resilience and history of impressive performances in the tournament cannot be underestimated. Fans can expect an intense battle between two talented sides vying for first place in Group G.