Crvena Zvezda vs Man City tips and predictions: Another three-goal haul to secure perfect record
- George Dempsey
- 12 December 2023
Man City will expect to wrap up a perfect Champions League group stage campaign as they face Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade on Wednesday.
Crvena Zvezda will be relishing the opportunity to host the champions of England and Europe when Man City visit Belgrade on Wednesday evening.
The hosts are already condemned to fourth place after picking up just one point from a possible 15, while Man City have topped the group but could make it a perfect half-dozen.
It’s hard to imagine this game not meaning more to the locals. It’s not every day you get a free shot at the world’s best, and they played their part at the Etihad Stadium.
Osman Bukari’s 45th-minute goal gave the Serbians a shock lead in England but that was overturned by the 60th minute thanks to a brace from Julian Alvarez.
The goalscoring burden may fall on the diminutive Argentinian again midweek, as Erling Haaland is unlikely to be risked. He has four goals to his name so far.
That said, Pep Guardiola’s side netted seven Champions League goals by the time Haaland joined the party on matchday three.
The Citizens have scored three goals in each of their five group-stage matches, while their struggling counterparts have shipped at least two in each.
This game might present the likes of Matheus Nunes, Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis with extended minutes, but there’s still enough quality for City to keep up that rate of scoring.
Another notable trend is that teams tend to hold firm early but buckle later. Fourteen of the 20 goals scored in their games have come in the second half.
Team news
Pep Guardiola could freshen things up ahead of the Club World Cup, affording the likes of Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes, Oscar Bobb and Sergio Gomez an opportunity.
It’s safe to assume that Erling Haaland won’t be risked unnecessarily in Belgrade, so Julian Alvarez should lead the line.
Kevin De Bruyne is nearing a return but remains out, while Jeremy Doku may be available but won’t be risked.
Key stats
- Crvena Zvezda have lost four of five matches, claiming just one point
- Crvena Zvezda have conceded at least two goals in five group stage games
- Man City have scored three goals in each of their five group-stage games
