UEFA Champions League: RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City Preview, Odds, Prediction

Manchester City heads for the east part of Germany to face RB Leipzig, who is fighting to keep the third spot in the standings and continue its European adventure. The Bulls are currently leveled with Club Brugge and hope to keep the place that leads to the UEFA Europa League knockout stage. As for the Citizens, they are first in Group A, and are going to stay there because PSG has no chance of reaching them. They recently defeated the Parisians, solving everything and getting back for the loss in France.

Preview

RB Leipzig (+230) lost the latest game against Union Berlin on the road, 2-1, which was their third defeat in the past four events. In all of these events, the Bulls have allowed at least two goals, proving that their defense is, in fact, the biggest problem this year.

And how it wouldn’t be when their center-back pair, Upamecano-Konate, left during the summer. The replacements are yet to create proper chemistry.

The offensive part of the unit is doing its part of the job very well, scoring almost always, which is why seven in the last 10 games RB played saw both teams scoring.

Manchester City (+100) is on a seven-game winning streak, looking very comfortable and confident. In all these wins, Guardiola’s unit scored at least two goals, but on the other side, in all but two, they were conceding as well.

The Citizens have started playing efficient football for the moment, as six of seven wins came with three or more goals. Yet, that is pretty much a constant when Ilkay Gundogan takes over the lead while replacing Kevin De Bruyne.

Though, we don’t think that he and several other players are going to play in Germany, as Guardiola wants to keep them fresh for the EPL challenges. December is ferocious for the Citizens.

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Halstenberg, Novoa Ramos, Dani Olmo, Willy Orban, Poulsen, and Saracchi are definitely out for this event.

In Manchester, Delap, Mendy, and Torres won’t travel to Leipzig for sure, and we are yet to see who stays in England on Monday.

Head to Head

The first match in Manchester was one of the best ever seen in the Citizens’ UCL history. The hosts won 6-3, putting up a show that will be remembered for a long time. Five of the hosts’ players scored goals, while on the other side, Christopher Nkunku delivered a hat-trick, attracting the attention of all the major European teams.

Prediction

This will be an easy game for the Citizens as they have nothing to lose, and we believe that Guardiola might change several starters in the lineup. The Citizens have a very, very tough schedule throughout December, and the Spaniard is going to keep all of his vital players fresh for EPL challenges.

It might be a bit odd to hear this, but we think that the hosts are going to stay unbeaten here and that the double chance, RB, or draw is the best choice. Odds on that are -125.

Pick: RB or Draw -125

Here are the previews for other UEFA Champions League games

• AC Milan vs. Liverpool
• Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan
• Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Besiktas
• Atalanta vs. Villarreal
• Manchester United vs. Villarreal