FC Copenhagen vs Manchester City
UEFA Champions League, KO: 20:00 Feb 13, 2024, Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
MANCHESTER CITY's defence of the Champions League enters the business stage of the competition now in the Round of 16.
And they are surely at an even bigger advantage than usual by playing an FC Copenhagen team who have been in cold storage since the middle of December.
The Danes are on their winter break and don't resume their season until next weekend.
They haven't down tools and played in a couple of friendlies, including a 2-2 draw at Rangers and the Atlantic Cup tournament where they beat Elfsborg and Molde but lost to Brondby.
They've also signed former Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna with the Scotland star possibly in for a baptism of fire against Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian goal machine ended his own personal goal drought in typical style at the weekend with a double as City eased to a 2-0 win against Everton at home.
They were his first goals since his return to action after being missing since the middle of December.
City are motoring now and that weekend win was their tenth win in a row in all competitions and they appear to be approaching top form at just the right time.
How the bookies view it
Manchester City are as short as 1/5 in places, but you can get some 2/7 with bet365.
FC Copenhagen can be backed at 12/1with Coral and the draw is 9/2 with William Hill.
Recent head to heads
City have twice been to Denmark to play FCK and have twice failed to win including in this competition last year when it finished goalless.
However, City did trounce them 5-0 in Manchester.
Players to watch
With Erling Haaland as short as 7/10 best price just to score, it could pay to look elsewhere with Phil Foden the pick of the bunch after his recent hat-trick against Brentford. He is 12/5 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Swedish striker Roony Bardghji is Copenhagen's top scorer this season and netted against Manchester United in the Champions League group stages. He is 8/1 to score anytime with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
This will be FC Copengahen's 13th game in the Champions League already this season and they are no mugs…as Manchester United found out when they lost 4-3 in Denmark back in November. Bayern Munich escaped with a 2-1 win.
But going so long without a competitive game can't be a good thing and they face a City side close to top form.
The Danes have goals in them and City do give you opportunities so the call is a Manchester City win and both teams to score at 2/1 with Betfred.
There were seven goals when United visited and while a repeat is unlikely, go for over 3.5 goals at 6/4 with 888sport.
This UEFA Champions League match between FC Copenhagen and Manchester City will be played on Feb 13, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best FC Copenhagen vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
