Man City vs Copenhagen tips and predictions: Visitors to cover handicap as Citizens manage tie
- George Dempsey
- 5 March 2024
Man City take a commanding 3-1 lead into their Champions League second-leg tie with FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night (2000 GMT).
Copenhagen face an uphill task as they attempt to battle back from a 3-1 deficit in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Etihad will expect another routine win to book their spot in the quarter-finals but Man City’s commanding lead makes this tougher to assess.
Their last visit to Manchester resulted in an emphatic 5-0 loss, but that was a group-stage game with three points in the line. They drew the reverse in Copenhagen 0-0.
Pep Guardiola’s squad depth is the envy of coaches worldwide, but it’s still worth noting that this fixture is wedged between the Manchester derby and a trip to Anfield.
It would be impossible to approach this game without one eye on Sunday so it could mean a rest for Kevin De Bruyne and other key personnel.
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It’s no surprise that City are such strong favourites that you can find the -2.5 Asian handicap at close to even money, which may open up some value on the visitors.
Nine of City’s last 15 Champions League home ties have resulted in a win by two or fewer goals and we’ve seen their levels drop off in the second leg in the past.
Guardiola’s side haven’t scored 3+ goals in both legs on a knockout tie since beating Schalke 3-2 away and 7-0 at home two weeks later in 2019.
Copenhagen have shown the quality to trouble Premier League teams and even if City are in a class of their own, going against the grain is the best way to attack this game.
Team news
Jack Grealish is the only injured party for Man City but Guardiola could opt to rest players.
Erling Haaland will expect to play but Kevin De Bruyne could be protected after his recent return from injury, while Julian Alvarez, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic could feature.
Viktor Claesson, Lukas Lerager and Davit Khocholava are ruled out while Theo Sander and Emil Hjolund are doubts.
Key stats
- Man City have won their last 12 Champions League home fixtures
- However, nine of those wins have come by two or fewer goals
- Man City have failed to score 3+ goals in both legs of their last 12 Champions League knockout ties
- There have been under 3.5 goals in 17 of Copenhagen’s last 20 Champions League away games
