MANCHESTER CITY and Bayern Munich clash in one the most eagerly anticipated games of the season on Tuesday in what could be a Champions League classic.
Pep Guardiola makes a return to play the Bavarian giants who he managed for three seasons for the first time since he took charge of City and there's a decent argument this is the final before the final.
That's backed up by the fact these two clubs head the market about who will win it – City are general 9/4 favourites and Bayern next best at 4/1.
The trophy remains City's elusive goal and they are certainly hitting form at just the right time of the season. A 4-1 romp at Southampton on Saturday night was their eighth win in a row in all competitions.
And of course, they have the goalscoring phenomenon that is Erling Haalnd back and firing as he proved with his double at St Mary's.
Bayern have for once seen their supremacy at the top of the Bundesliga really challenged this season with Borussia Dortmund just two points behind them.
They binned Julian Nagelsmann last month and replaced him with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel who guided them to a huge win at high-flying Freiburg at the weekend.
How the bookies view it
Manchester City are odds-on across the board and there is a spot of 4/5 with Betfred.
Bayern Munich can be backed at 7/2 with bet365 and the draw is 3/1 with UniBet,
Recent head to heads
This is their first meeting for eight years. The sides have played six times in the Champions League and there have been three wins apiece and there has never been a draw. City have won two out of three of the meetings at the Etihad.
Players to watch
All eyes as usual will be on Erling Haaland who scored his 50th goal of the season for club and country at the weekend.
But he has a major point to prove. He's played seven times against Bayern Munich while at Dortmund and scored five goals….but he's lost the lot. He's 8/11 with Paddy Power to score.
Sadio Mane will relish a return to England, but despite quickly netting his 12th goal of the season in October, remarkably, he has failed to score since then. The former Liverpool man is 3/1 to score with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Manchester City are surely the best team in the competition when on their game and while they do sometimes lose the plot, there's nothing to suggest this will happen here.
They are in fine form and look too strong for a Bayern side who have been far too inconsistent this season. It's worth taking the odds-on price on them.
There really should be goals here. It wouldn't be a surprise if both decide attack is the best form of defence here.
The 23/10 price from 10bet on a City win and both teams to score looks terrific value.
This UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Bayern Munich will be played on Apr 11, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Bayern Munich prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.