Prediction: Manchester City vs RB Leipzig

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to book their Champions League quarter-final ticket on Tuesday night, Manchester City will welcome RB Leipzig to the Etihad for their second-leg meeting.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might still be facing an uphill struggle if they’re to defend their Premier League crown in 2023, Pep Guardiola’s side are riding a recent wave of momentum. Last seen over the weekend eventually picking up a 1-0 victory away at Crystal Palace, the English heavyweights have now won each of their last four domestic matchups on the bounce. Although the former Barcelona boss might have been disappointed after his squad had to settle for a 1-1 draw out in Germany for their first-leg meeting on February 22nd, the Sky Blues will be desperate to avoid a major Champions League exit here. Tipped as one of the leading contenders to get their hands on a maiden European crown this season, City have continued to shine on home soil. Including a 2-0 win against Newcastle when opening March, it should be noted that Tuesday’s hosts have won each of their previous six straight showdowns at the Etihad.

Team News

Having to settle for a spot on the bench at Selhurst Park on Saturday night, Kevin De Bruyne will likely make a return to Guardiola’s starting XI here. England international John Stones will also be hoping to keep his place after returning from a long-term muscle injury a few days ago.

Bagging five Champions League strikes in as many appearances this season, Erling Haaland will spearhead Manchester City’s charge at the Etihad.

RB Leipzig

As for the visitors, while RB Leipzig might have eventually fallen to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Borussia Dortmund earlier in the month, Marco Rose’s side came roaring back last weekend. Picking up some perfect momentum as they cruised their way to a routine 3-0 romp at home against Borussia Monchengladbach, the Red Bulls have gained a host of plaudits from across Germany this season. Although Leipzig might make the trip to Manchester on Tuesday night tipped as a real underdog pick, they should be boosted by their first-leg meeting against the English heavyweights. More than deserving of their 1-1 draw on March 22nd, the ex-Dortmund boss will be calling on another rugged display here. Sat in pole position to claim another top-four finish in the Bundesliga this season, the midweek guests should be excited by their continued European success on foreign soil. In fact, Rose’s squad have won three of their last four Champions League showdowns away from the Red Bull Arena.

Team News

In what is a major blow for RB Leipzig, attacking talisman Christopher Nkunku will miss out on Tuesday night after picking up a recent hamstring injury. The likes of Xaver Schlager, Peter Gulacsi and Abdou Diallo will also not travel to the Etihad here.

Finding the net against Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend, ex-Chelsea star Timo Werner should once again join Andre Silva in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their first-leg meeting at the Red Bull Arena on February 22nd, Manchester City and Leipzig played out a 1-1 draw.
• However, the Sky Blues have won each of their last six straight showdowns at the Etihad – a run that has seen them bag 17 goals.
• Erling Haaland has scored five Champions League strikes in as many appearances this season.
• RB Leipzig have won just a trio of their previous seven matchups across all competitions.
• However, Tuesday’s guests have won three of their previous four Champions League showdowns on foreign soil.

Conclusion

Although Manchester City might have failed to pick up a first-leg advantage in Germany on February 22nd, the Premier League giants are rightfully tipped as a standout pick here. Seen as one of the leading contenders to get their hands on a maiden Champions League crown in 2023, Guardiola’s side have also continued to gain a reputation for their success on home soil. Winning each of their last six showdowns at the Etihad – a run that has seen them muster 17 strikes – City will be looking to avoid a major European upset in midweek. While Leipzig might prove to be another tough test on Tuesday night, we are backing the Sky Blues to punch their quarter-final ticket here.

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Unibet