Following their recent victory in the domestic derby, Manchester City will continue their pursuit of the Champions League title as they prepare to host Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of their last-16 encounter on Wednesday. Manchester City holds a two-goal lead in this fixture, having secured a 3-1 victory in the first leg held in Denmark three weeks prior.
Match Preview
Manchester City secured their 17th victory during an impressive 19-game unbeaten streak across all competitions by rallying from a halftime deficit to defeat rivals Manchester United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, bolstering their aspirations for the Premier League title.
The reigning champions faced an early setback when Marcus Rashford’s 25-yard strike propelled Manchester United into the lead in the eighth minute. Nonetheless, Manchester City ultimately triumphed in commanding fashion, with Phil Foden delivering a superb second-half brace—earning commendation from manager Pep Guardiola, who hailed him as the premier player in the Premier League. Additionally, a stoppage-time goal from Erling Haaland secured three crucial points and afforded the jubilant hosts bragging rights.
With 11 Premier League fixtures remaining, Manchester City currently occupy the second position in the standings, trailing leaders Liverpool by only one point. An eagerly anticipated encounter awaits as Manchester City prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield, a fixture that holds significant implications for both sides.
Looking ahead, Manchester City is set to contend with Newcastle United in the FA Cup quarter-finals. However, their immediate focus must return to the Champions League, where they aim to secure passage to the quarter-finals by overcoming Copenhagen. Notably, a victory in the upcoming fixture would see Manchester City join an exclusive club of teams—comprising Real Madrid and Bayern Munich—that have registered at least 10 consecutive wins in the prestigious tournament.
Copenhagen, competing in the Champions League knockout stages for only the second time in their history, demonstrated promise in their group-stage performances, which included victories over esteemed opponents such as Manchester United and Galatasaray. Despite their commendable efforts, Copenhagen ultimately succumbed to Manchester City in the first leg, with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Foden securing a 3-1 victory for the English side.
Following their defeat in the initial encounter, Copenhagen showcased resilience by securing successive victories in the Danish Superliga. However, their title aspirations were dented by a recent defeat to league leaders Midtjylland. As they prepare for the second leg against Manchester City, Copenhagen acknowledges the formidable challenge ahead but remains undeterred, seeking to draw positives from the experience of competing against the reigning European and world champions.
Although Copenhagen faces an uphill battle, having never secured an away victory against English opposition in European competitions, they remain determined to defy the odds. Nonetheless, Manchester City’s formidable record at home, coupled with Copenhagen’s recent struggles in Champions League away fixtures, presents a daunting prospect for the Nordic outfit.
Team News
Manchester City’s squad faces a singular injury concern in the form of Jack Grealish, who is currently sidelined due to a groin ailment, potentially jeopardizing his availability for international duty with England during the upcoming break.
Nevertheless, the team received a boost with the inclusion of Josko Gvardiol in the matchday roster last weekend, marking his return after a six-game absence due to an ankle injury. The Croatian defender’s resurgence may warrant a starting position at left-back, potentially displacing Nathan Ake from the first XI or prompting a shift to central defense.
Manager Pep Guardiola might contemplate alterations to the starting lineup, given their comfortable two-goal lead over Copenhagen and mindful of their impending fixture against Liverpool on Sunday. Consequently, players such as Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, and Julian Alvarez could be entrusted with starting roles.
On the Copenhagen front, Lukas Lerager is eligible to return from a one-match suspension, yet finds himself sidelined with an undisclosed injury, alongside Theo Sander, Davit Khocholava (both grappling with knee issues), and Viktor Claesson (ailing from an unspecified injury, which forced his premature exit during Friday’s defeat against Midtjylland).
The quartet is slated to miss the forthcoming encounter at the Etihad Stadium. Additionally, Emil Hojlund, brother of Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, remains doubtful due to injury and will undergo evaluation prior to kickoff.
In the absence of Claesson, the striking duties may fall upon Andreas Cornelius, Jordan Larsson, or the highly sought-after teenager Roony Bardghji, complementing Elias Achouri and former Southampton winger Mohamed Elyounoussi in the attacking setup.
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri; Foden, Alvarez, Doku; Haaland
Copenhagen possible starting lineup:
Grabara; Jelert, Vavro, McKenna, Diks; Goncalves, Falk, Mattsson; Elyounoussi, Larsson, Achouri