Prediction: Hoffenheim vs Manchester City

Verdict: Man City to Win to Nil

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: bet365

Manchester City travel to Germany to take on Hoffenheim at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena in their second group stage match of the Champions League. The Citizens did not have the best of starts at the international stage and will be looking to get the first three points of the season.

Hoffenheim

The Bundesliga side Hoffenheim make their home bow in the Champions League on Tuesday against Manchester City. The Germans are widely regarded as Group F’s underdogs but they will be highly motivated to prove such assumptions wrong. Having taken a point from their debut in the competition off the back of a 1-1 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk, Julian Nagelsmann’s men are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

The club based in a village of just over 3,000 inhabitants in south-west Germany went through a stellar rise since the turn of the millennium and taking a part in Europe’s elite competition is enough of a reward. But with a highly-rated manager at their helm, Die Kraichgauer do not want to stop there, however. They went from playing in the fifth division to being a Champions League club in just 18 years and even the manager himself – who’s leaving for RB Leipzig next season – will be keen to do the best he can in his farewell season. It appears however that a mental aspect of playing in the Champions League has taken its toll as Hoffenheim have yet to hit the ground running this season, losing three of their opening six matches in the Bundesliga and warming up for the forthcoming clash with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of – none other than – RB Leipzig.

Team News

Nadiem Amiri, Dennis Geiger, Benjamimi Hubner and Lukas Rupp have all been confirmed as unavailable for the forthcoming fixture.

Hoffenheim are also likely to be without Ermin Bicakcic and Kevin Vogt who are suffering from a calf injury and a thigh problem, respectively.

Manchester City

The Citizens are enduring a difficult run in the European competition knowing they lost their last four Champions League matches on the run – including the first match of the 2018/19 season against Lyon at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s men conceded twice before the break on what has been a rare off-night for the Premier League champions and current table-toppers.  

The 2-1 defeat at the hands of Lyon remains the only City loss this season and Pep Guardiola’s men will be hoping for a much better result in Germany. Citizens are going through a fine run at the moment, knowing they won their last three matches on the run – without conceding a single goal. City’s away form gives plenty to be optimistic about as they won eight of their last 10 matches on the road.  Pep Guardiola will most certainly hope striker Sergio Aguero can maintain his fine scoring form and help his team get three points in Germany. The Argentine forward scored two goals in his last two appearances, taking his tally to seven goals this season.

Team News

Kevin De Bruyne and Benjamin Mendy are both still working on their recovery back from injury, whereas Claudio Bravo joins them in the treatment room with his tendon injury.

Defenders Philippe Sandler and Eliaquim Mangala are also ruled out through injuries and have yet to complete a single minute of competitive action for City this season.

Key Factors to Consider

• This is the first ever competitive match between the two sides
• Hoffenheim won only one of their last 5 matches in all competitions
• Manchester City haven’t conceded a single goal in last three matches
• Citizens scored ten goals in their last three games
• Hoffenheim failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their eight matches this season

Conclusion

Manchester City are desperately looking to kick-start their European campaign after losing their last four Champions League matches. Citizens travel to Germany in fine form and should have no problems dispatching highly inconsistent Hoffenheim.

Verdict: Man City to Win to Nil

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: bet365