Manchester City will be on high alert to bounce back from their recent upset in the Premier League with another sensational performance against a German side when they host Bayer Leverkusen in Round 5.
The international break clearly didn’t help Manchester City, and their trip to Newcastle ended in defeat. Although the Citizens boast the best defence in the Premier League, they trail Arsenal by six points.
Their performance in the Champions League has been far more convincing and they sit in 4th place ahead of this clash. This will also be Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match with Man City, so we can expect a showcase performance at the Etihad Stadium.
The Citizens have been flawless at home since late August, winning their last seven matches with a whopping 22:3 goal difference. And their ongoing home streak in the Champions League stands at 23 games unbeaten (20 wins).
On the other end, Bayer Leverkusen recorded a third win in a row when they dismantled Wolfsburg 3-1 during the weekend. Nevertheless, Kasper Hjulmand’s side managed to win only one of the first four UCL fixtures and we can’t forget the 7:2 defeat to PSG.
How the bookies view it: Man City don't lose at home
While Bayer Leverkusen are not a team that should be underestimated, bookmakers expect a convincing home win and give the visitors no chances to survive the trip to Manchester.
You can currently back Man City at 1/4, while Bayer Leverkusen are available at 10/1. You can also back the draw at 21/4.
Recent head-to-head: The start of a new rivalry
Surprisingly, Man City have never met Bayer Leverkusen in an official setting, so we will witness the start of yet another rivalry. Nevertheless, we have to mention City’s success rate against German sides. The Citizens won their last 13 home matches against teams from Germany, including last month’s 4-1 over Borussia Dortmund.
Players to watch: Haaland will be waiting
Erling Haaland is in a league of his own, regardless if we talk about the Premier League or the Champions League. The Norwegian has scored 14 of City’s 24 Premier League goals this season.
He also has five goals in four CL appearances this season, and also scored in each of his last five games in the competition. He has single-handedly carried City to a huge percentage of their wins this season.
Not to mention his experience against Bayer Leverkusen from his days at Borussia Dortmund. For example, he scored braces in his two most recent personal H2Hs with Bayer Leverkusen.
Probable line-ups
Man City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Stones, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Gonzalez, Doku, Foden, Reijnders, Savinho, Haaland
Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken, Tapsoba, Bade, Quansah, Arthur, Maza, Garcia, Belocian, Poku, Kofane, Echeverri
Anything else catch the eye?
As much as Kasper Hjulmand has improved Bayer Leverkusen since he took charge, we don’t believe his side is ready for Manchester City.
Yes, the Citizens have not been in optimal shape overall, but their squad is levels above that of Die Werkself, and Haaland, in particular, will be waiting for them with open arms. We expect a heavy blowout and three points for Man City.
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