Manchester City will look to bounce back from consecutive defeats as they visit RB Leipzig in the Champions League. With victories over Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys, respectively, by scores of 3-1, The Citizens and Die Roten Bullen are currently tied for first place in Group G.
Preview (RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City)
RB Leipzig has had a strong start to the new season despite the summer sales of a few important players. They have won seven, drawn one, and lost just one of their first nine games across all competitions. Die Roten Bullen appeared to be on track to defeat Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Goals from Lois Openda and Castello Lukeba gave Marco Rose’s team a 2-0 lead inside the first 26 minutes. This victory came just over a month after Die Roten Bullen easily defeated Bayern Munich 3-0.
Leipzig has dropped to fifth place in the standings, behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen by just three points. In their previous 17 home games across all competitions since the beginning of the year, Leipzig has won 12 and drawn three, scoring at least two goals on 11 occasions. They will be happy to return to the Red Bull Arena soon. After losing badly to Man City 8-1 on aggregate in the round of 16 last year, Die Roten Bullen will be seeking retribution against the defending champions.
Man City has lost consecutive games in all competitions for the first time since January of last season after losing 2-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League last weekend after losing their EFL Cup third-round match at Newcastle United. Prior to this stretch, the Citizens had only lost two of their previous 41 games. Pep Guardiola’s team can ill-afford another sluggish start if they wish to get back on track against an in-form Leipzig team. They will face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in a Premier League showdown on Sunday. Man City’s impressive Champions League performance is encouraging for their attempt to avoid a third straight loss. They have only lost twice in their last 30 group-stage games. Their overall unbeaten run in the competition reached 14 games when they defeated Red Star 3-1.
Team News
Kevin Kampl, a midfielder for Leipzig, was forced out with a hip injury during the tie with Bayern last weekend. He is anticipated to miss the match on Wednesday. He will join injured teammates Timo Werner (back), Dani Olmo, Willi Orban, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu (all knee). With Kampl possibly unavailable, Nicolas Seiwald or Amadou Haidara, who both scored against Young Boys in the Champions League two weeks ago, would likely start in center midfield with Xaver Schlager, with Xavi Simons and Emil Forsberg playing farther forward as advanced midfielders.
Benjamin Sesko has only made one start for Leipzig this season despite having five goals in eight games. Sesko might get another start as a replacement. Jack Grealish might take the place of either Jeremy Doku or Phil Foden in the starting lineup. Gvardiol is in the running to face his former team. He will be pushing to replace Nathan Ake on the left side of the defense. Erling Haaland has 11 goals in only six games against Leipzig, including five last season. He will join Alvarez in the attack after scoring twice in the Champions League against Red Star in game one.
RB Leipzig 1 – 2 Manchester City
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