Red Star Belgrade vs Manchester City
UEFA Champions League, KO: 17:45 Dec 13, 2023, Marakana Stadium
MANCHESTER CITY probably need a trip to Serbia like a hole in the head, but they complete their so-far flawless Champions League group stages campaign on Wednesday when they meet Red Star Belgrade.
With the European champions boasting a 100 per cent record in their five games, any doubt about qualification was eradicated a long time ago.
And unfortunately for the hosts, this is also a meaningless game for them having being eliminated in last place with just a solitary point to show for their efforts so far. They cannot even gain a Europa League place by finishing third.
Of course, City's domestic form has been a source of morbid fascination to most observers and they looked like it would be transformed into a full-blown crisis when they went a goal down to Luton Town on Sunday.
And with Erling Haaland now out for yet-unknown amount of time, it seemed City were really down on their luck, but they battled back and got the win and it was much needed.
Red Star Belgrade warmed up for the clash with their fifth win in the league in a row, against Mladost Lucani and are locked in a battle for the title with eternal rivals Partizan Belgrade.
How the bookies view it
With nothing to play for (apart from the £2.4million prize money for a win), bookies still reckon Manchester City will stroll this with odds of 1/4 generally, although there is a spot of 3/10 with bet365.
Red Star Belgrade or Crvena Zvezda to give them their Sunday name, are 9/1 with 888sport. the draw is 11/2 with Betfred.
Recent head to heads
The sides have only met once and that was back in September when Manchester City cruised to a 3-1 win in this group.
Players to watch
Jovan Mijatovic is a highly-rated teenage prospect for Red Star, who has already scored four goals this seasion for the Serbian club. He is 6/1 to score anytime with bet365.
City will surely rotate here and could hand a spot to Norway international Oscar Bobb who has already scored for his country this season. He is 15/4 to score anytime in Belgrade.
Anything else catch the eye?
As usual with these games having nothing to play for and the pressure being off, the sensible option is to back goals rather than a result. Both teams could spring surprises in their line-up and while City should win with obviously a better squad, you can't be backing them in Belgrade at such prohibitive odds.
Red Star have scored in four of their five games in the group including at the Etihad to go for both teams to score at 22/25 with UniBet.
As stated, with the pressure off, the goals should flow. There were four in the first game and over 3.5 goals looks a good shout against at 5/4 with Boylesports.
This UEFA Champions League match between Red Star Belgrade and Manchester City will be played on Dec 13, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Red Star Belgrade vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
