Prediction: Feyenoord vs Manchester City



Verdict: Man City/Man City

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365

Dutch champions Feyenoord will be hoping to extend the excellent run of results when they take on revived Manchester City at their De Kuip. The Citizens, too, are craving Champions League success after a number of disappointing campaigns and they aim to build on the 5-0 hammering of Liverpool.

Feyenoord

One of the most famous clubs in the Netherlands spent much of the previous two decades in the shade of Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, before finally ending an 18-year wait for the Eredivisie trophy. Led by veteran captain Dirk Kuyt, The Pride of the South pipped their main rivals to the league title, but they headed into the new campaign with a much changed squad. While the former Liverpool star retired mere days after the league success, the likes of Eljero Elia, Terence Kongolo and Rick Karsdorp all left the club, while in came Steven Berghuis, Sam Larsson, Jeremiah St. Juste, Sofyan Amrabat and Ridgeciano Haps. In spite of the major changes, Feyenoord did well to start the season strongly, beating Vitesse in the Dutch Super Cup match before also winning their first four league fixtures. However, it has to be noted that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men mostly faced weaker opposition in the opening exchanges, meaning the games against Man City and PSV Eindhoven will serve as the first serious tests. And having lost each of their last seven Champions League fixtures, Feyenoord will be desperate to show some improvement.

Team News

Keneth Vermeer and Bart Nieuwkoop continue to miss out, while Nicolai Jorgensen and Sven van Beek are unlikely to feature.

Manchester City

Given the heavy investment in the playing squad, Manchester City have utterly failed to prove their worth in Europe’s elite competition and the Citizens will be keen to make things right this season. The Premier League title chase is equally important, meaning that Pep Guardiola will have to sensibly rotate his squad if he wants the team to finally enjoy a successful campaign, but at least the Catalan coach can build on the promising start. Man City are joint leaders in the Premier League after the 5-0 hammering of Liverpool, and while things could have been different if Sadio Mane hadn’t been sent off, the team did really well to make the most of their numerical advantage. A morale-boosting win over strong opposition is just what the Citizens needed before the start of their European campaign and we feel they stand a good chance of defeating inexperienced Feyenoord side. Granted, Man City only won 4 of last 11 Champions League matches on the road, but only one of those opponents was weaker than the Dutch champions.

Team News

Claudio Bravo could take over from Ederson after the Brazilian suffered head injuries in the Liverpool game, while Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva could be drafted in as well.

Key Factors to Consider

• Feyenoord lost last seven Champions League fixtures
• The Dutch side are lacking experience after Kuyt and Elia left
• Man City picked up 5 points from three away games in last year’s group stage
• In-form Gabriel Jesus set for first ever Champions League appearance
• Feyenoord missing several important players

Conclusion

The fact that Feyenoord lost last seven Champions League matches speaks volumes about the team’s chances when facing top European sides and the hosts also have plenty of selection worries at the moment. Man City, on the other hand, are flying high after the 5-0 triumph over Liverpool, and we expect them to record another comfortable win.

Verdict: Man City/Man City

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365