Manchester City is set to face off against FC Copenhagen in a high-stakes battle during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The Etihad Stadium will witness this thrilling encounter on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in the early hours.
Predictions and Form Guide
Manchester City enters this clash with an impressive record of 19 unbeaten matches, including 17 wins and 2 draws. Their recent victory over cross-town rivals Manchester United in the English Premier League further solidified their position. Currently sitting second in the Premier League standings with 62 points, they trail league leaders Liverpool by just one point. Their last defeat dates back to December 7, 2023, when they fell 1-2 to Aston Villa.
On the other hand, FC Copenhagen faces an uphill battle. Despite their spirited performance in the first leg, where they succumbed to a 1-3 defeat against Manchester City, the Danish side has struggled recently. In their last five matches, they secured three wins but also suffered two losses, including a 0-2 defeat against FC Midtjylland in the Danish league.
Head-to-Head Record
Let’s delve into the historical clashes between these two teams:
- February 14, 2024: FC Copenhagen 1-3 Manchester City (UEFA Champions League)
- October 11, 2022: FC Copenhagen 0-0 Manchester City (UEFA Champions League)
- October 6, 2022: Manchester City 5-0 FC Copenhagen (UEFA Champions League)
- February 27, 2009: Manchester City 2-1 FC Copenhagen (Europa League)
- February 20, 2009: FC Copenhagen 2-2 Manchester City (Europa League)
Manchester City holds the upper hand in their recent encounters, with a dominant aggregate score of 9-3. However, FC Copenhagen’s resilience cannot be underestimated, especially considering their home advantage in the second leg.
Key Players and Lineups
Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri; Foden, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland
FC Copenhagen (4-3-3): Grabara; Jelert, Vavro, McKenna, Diks; Goncalves, Falk, Mattsson; Elyounoussi, Larsson, Achouri
Manchester City
- Jack Grealish remains sidelined due to a thigh injury, leaving a void in the midfield.
- Erling Haaland, who scored in the previous match against FC Copenhagen, might start from the bench this time.
FC Copenhagen
- The visitors will miss the services of Viktor Claesson, Lucas Lerager, Theo Sander, and David Khocholava.
- Indonesian-born defender Kevin Diks is expected to feature as a wing-back.
While Manchester City holds the aggregate advantage, FC Copenhagen will fight tooth and nail to upset the odds. With both teams eyeing a spot in the quarter-finals, expect an intense battle under the Etihad floodlights. Pep Guardiola’s men may rotate players, keeping in mind their crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on March 10, 2024.
Stay tuned for live updates and witness the drama unfold as these football giants collide in a quest for European glory!
