14 September 2021, 09:32 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The UEFA Champions League Group A fixture, Manchester City vs. RB Leipzig, kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, September 15 at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Preview Manchester City Champions League, Sep 15, 2021
Preview Manchester City returns to the UEFA Champions League after the 1-0 Premier League victory over Leicester City on Saturday. The English side are in 4th place in the Premier League and will be making their 11th consecutive appearance in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday against RB Leipzig. The Cityzens have lost two of their last five games across all competitions: LLWWW. After their defeat to Chelsea in the final last season, Pep will resume in the pursuit of the elusive big ears which evaded the club by a whisker in May. Following the exit of Sergio Aguero and the addition of the £100M-rated Jack Grealish, much hasn’t changed from the first team which lost to Chelsea. Manchester City failed to find the proper replacement for Sergio Aguero in the summer transfer window. However, following the impressive form of Ferran Torres, the blue side of Manchester appear to be undeterred in their quest for European glory. A 4—3—3 formation with Jack Grealish on the left, playing alongside Ferran Torres, is expected against the German side on Wednesday. Gabriel Jesus or Riyad Mahrez could be playing on the right. Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai will be City's biggest worry. The 20-year-old Hungarian has 2 goals in 4 appearances for the club and has participated in 50% of all episodes that have led to a goal for RB Leipzig this season. Nevertheless, Pep will aim for nothing less than three points. On availability, Kevin De Bruyne remains doubtful with an ankle injury alongside Phil Foden, who suffered a foot injury.
Preview RB Leipzig Champions League, Sep 15, 2021
Preview Meanwhile, RB Leipzig return after Saturday's 4-1 Bundesliga defeat to Bayern Munich. Coach Jesse Marsch will aim for at least a point in what would be his UEFA Champions League debut with the club. Leipzig are 12th in the German Bundesliga and have a form that reads: WLWLL across all competitions. A 4—2—3—1 formation with the summer signing, Andre Silva leading the attack is expected from Marsch on Wednesday. Marsch will have his worries as City's attacking trio could exploit the new and fledgling defensive partnership between center-backs, Willi Orban and Mohamed Simakan. His left-back will also have to keep a watchful eye on Gabriel Jesus who has the most assists for City this season, 3 in 4 appearances. Marsch will be without Marcelo Saracchi who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament rupture. Left-back Angeliño could also miss out on this trip to the City of Manchester Stadium due to a muscular injury. The ex-City player would relish the opportunity to prove his worth to his former employers.