Tuesday night marks the start of Manchester City’s Champions League title defence as the Citizens travel to Copenhagen for the first leg of the round of 16.
While their hosts managed to sneak into second place in Group A behind Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola’s team easily defeated the opposition in Group G to win the division.
Taking advantage of Manchester United’s extended bad luck, Danish upstarts Copenhagen only managed one point from their first three Champions League matches in 2023–24.
However, an unexpected three-match winning streak from November to December secured a spot in the round of sixteen for Jacob Neestrup’s team.
Slight victories over Man United and Galatasaray followed a commendable goalless draw with the group winners Bayern, and the German champions’ victory over the Red Devils on matchday six guaranteed Copenhagen at least a spot in the Europa League.
Lukas Lerager’s goal against Galatasaray extended Copenhagen’s stay in the top division of Europe.
Although the Man City supporters made light of their bitter rivals’ 4-3 loss to Copenhagen in the group stage, there won’t be any time for civility on Tuesday night as the defending Champions League champions look to defeat yet another opponent during their customary second-season rampage.
In the group stage of Europe’s top competition, RB Leipzig, Young Boys, and Red Star Belgrade would be the teams trying to stop the Guardiola machine. However, their efforts would be in vain, as the Manchester giants easily advanced to the round of 16 with a maximum total of 18 points.
Copenhagen vs Man City Match Details
Date: Wednesday, 13 Feb 2024
Time: 1:30 AM IST
Location: Parken
TV: Sony Ten Network (India)
Live Stream: Sony LIV
Lineup Prediction
Copenhagen’s possible starting lineup: Grabara; Ankersen, Diks, Vavro, Jelert; Goncalves, Falk, Claesson; Elyounoussi, Bardghji, Achouri
Manchester City’s possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Doku, Haaland, Foden
Dream11
Goalkeeper – Ederson
Defenders – Ankersen, Diks, Stones, Ake
Midfielders – Rodri, De Bruyne, Claesson
Attackers – Haaland, Elyounoussi, Foden
