Seems like Shakhtar Donetsk vs Man City has become a ritual of Champions League. Both the teams have often faced each other in group stage in recent years. And here they are yet again, in a new season facing same opponents.
Manchester City travel to Ukraine in lieu of a eye-opening defeat against Norwich City. And while they travel, they are departing to a team that has won their last 7 games in a row.
Shaktar may have an awful record against Manchester City but their recent run of form suggest that they surely can project a threat.
When and Where?
Date : 18th September, Wednesday
Time : 20:00(GMT)
Venue: Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Team News
A major setback for Manchester City was Kevin De Bruyne sitting on the bench against Norwich. One mistake that Guardiola would not want to commit again.
We may also see the experienced Joao Cancelo in the Blues jersey. The former Juventus man has had handful of games in Champions League which could prove healthy for Pep. With Cancelo coming in, Kyle Walker could potentially take the place in centre.
Benjamin Mendy could also find a place in the starting XI, given he is fully recovered.
Shaktar may want to start up with their amateurish XI, one that can prove a threat to Guardiola and his team. Therefore, Shakhtar’s head coach Castro would not instil in a lot of changes and play with the same squad that has been winning matches.
The only change could be that Yevhen Konoplyanka may be preferred to Mateus Martins on the right-hand side of midfield.
Head To Head
In the last four outings that the clubs have made, City have slaughtered Shaktar every time. In the last 4 meetings, Shaktar have registered only 1 goal and as many wins while Manchester City have amassed 12 goals with 3 wins.
With aggregate score of 12-1, Manchester City travel to Ukraine as the hunters.
Predicted Lineup
Shakhtar Donetsk possible starting XI: Pyatov; Bolbat, Krivtsov, Matviyenko, Ismaily; Stepanenko, Alan; Konoplyanka, Marlos, Taison; Moraes
Manchester City possible starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi; Cancelo, Rodri, De Bruyne, Zinchenko; B.Silva, Sterling, Aguero
Prediction
Shakhtar Donetsk 1-3 Manchester City
