Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, host Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening for a crucial Champions League group stage clash.
The home team desperately needs a positive result after a disastrous run of form, while the visitors want to continue their respectable European campaign.
Game preview
Manchester City is in real crisis mode and has suffered five defeats in a row across all competitions. Their final humiliation came on Saturday when they lost 4-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
The attacking talisman of the Cityzens, Erling Haalandwere unusually quiet during this weak spell, while players like Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne failed to inspire.
In contrast, Feyenoord had a relatively strong start to the season.
The Dutch team are in the bottom half of the Champions League group stage but have managed to pick up six points from their first four games.
Striker Santiago Gimenez and playmaker Chris-Kevin Nadje were the Rotterdam team’s outstanding performers.
Manchester City’s autumn has been nothing short of disastrous, with Pep Guardiola’s men losing their last three Premier League games.
The reigning champions are now in 10th place in the table, far from their usual high standards.
Feyenoord, on the other hand, have won six of their last seven games in the Eredivisie, including a comfortable 3-0 win over Heerenveen on Saturday.
Head to head
The two teams have only met once in the Champions League, with Manchester City recording a 4-0 win at De Kuip in the 2017/18 group stage. The Etihad game this season ended 1-0 in favor of the English champions.
Team news
Manchester City will be without injured trio Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic, while Ruben Dias is also expected to miss out.
Feyenoord’s injury list is even more extensive, with key players such as Gimenez, Justin Bijlow and Quinten Timber all doubtful to travel to Manchester.
Expected starting lineups
Manchester City: (4-2-3-1)
Ederson;
Walker, Akanji, Stones, Ake;
Nunes, Lewis;
Savinho, De Bruyne, Grealish;
Haaland
Feyenoord: (4-3-3)
Wellenreuther;
Nieuwkoop, Trauner, Hancko, Smal;
Hwang, Zerrouki, Milambo;
Moussa, Carranza, Paixao
forecast
Given Feyenoord’s long injury list, this represents a golden opportunity for Manchester City to break out of their rut.
The Etihad team should be able to exploit the visitors’ defensive weaknesses and secure a much-needed win.
However, the Citizens’ current form suggests they may struggle to put in a convincing performance and the game could be closer than expected.
- Result prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Feyenoord
Betting Tips
– Manchester City wins
– Over 2.5 goals: Both teams have conceded goals easily in the last few games
– Erling Haaland can score at any time: the Norwegian striker is due a goal after a quiet phase