Prediction: RB Leipzig vs Manchester City

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways when they turn their attention back to Champions League duties, Manchester City will travel to RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.

RB Leipzig

As for the visitors, while RB Leipzig might have suffered a second-half collapse against Bayern Munich over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 draw on home soil, Marco Rose’s side should still find the mood in their camp at a real high. With their sights set on mounting a genuine Bundesliga title charge this season, the Red Bulls are unbeaten in each of their previous seven appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to August 19th. Opening their Champions League adventure with another eye-catching performance away at Young Boys a fortnight ago as they landed a 3-1 victory on foreign soil, Leipzig have quickly gained a reputation for their clinical displays in the final third. Along with heading into September’s international break with a stellar 3-0 romp away at Union Berlin, Rose’s side will be desperate to lay down a heavyweight marker on Wednesday night.

Team News

Missing out over the weekend after sustaining a back injury, RB Leipzig are expected to be without former Chelsea striker Timo Werner. Likewise, in what is a major blow for Rose’s side, they will also be unable to call upon Spanish international Dani Olmo as the 25-year-old recovers from a knee injury.

Finding the net against Bayern Munich on Saturday and notching his fourth Bundesliga strike of the season, Lois Openda will once again partner Yussuf Poulsen in the final third. Continuing on shine since arriving at Leipzig this summer, Dutch starlet Xavi Simons will also have a crucial role to play at the Red Bull Arena.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, watching their remarkable start to the new campaign come to an abrupt end over the weekend, Manchester City will be seeking an immediate response here. Eventually slumping to a shock 2-1 loss at the hands of Wolves, Pep Guardiola’s side will be desperate to prove that performance in the Midlands was nothing more than a minor blip. Making real history last season as they became the first English club since 1999 to be crowned treble champions, the former Barcelona boss finds his superstar squad tipped as a leading contender toe defend their maiden Champions League crown this time around. Opening up their European adventure with a turnaround 3-1 win against Red Star Belgrade a fortnight ago, the Sky Blues will be excited by their most recent meeting against Wednesday’s hosts. When the two sides last met back on March 14th, Guardiola’s men claimed a stellar 7-0 win at the Etihad.

Team News

Despite currently serving a domestic suspension, Manchester City will welcome back midfield talisman Rodri on Wednesday night. However, Guardiola’s side will be unable to call upon the trio of John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne when they arrive at the Red Bull Arena in midweek.

While the record-breaking Erling Haaland might have drawn a rare blank away at Wolves over the weekend, the former Borussia Dortmund will spearhead Guardiola’s charge here. England international Jack Grealish could be handed a full recall and make just a second City start since the end of August.

Key Factors to Consider

• When RB Leipzig and Manchester City last met on Champions League duties back in March, Manchester City claimed a 7-0 romp at the Etihad.
• The Sky Blues are unbeaten in each of their four Champions League meetings against Wednesday’s hosts.
• However, City have managed to muster just a single clean sheet from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• RB Leipzig are unbeaten in each of their previous seven appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to August 19th.
• Likewise, the German giants have notched 20 strikes on that seven-match unbeaten run.

Conclusion

While Manchester City might have claimed that remarkable 7-0 romp when they welcomed Leipzig to the Etihad back on March 14th, Guardiola’s side could face a tricky test here. Showing some recent defensive issues and recording just a single clean sheet from their previous seven appearances across all competitions, chances could come thick and fast on Wednesday night. Watching the Red Bulls notch a staggering 20 strikes on their recent seven-match unbeaten flurry, the midweek hosts could be smelling the chance to lay down a heavyweight marker. With City seeing three of their last four away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome in Germany.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster