Manchester City have no room for error when they face Club Brugge at the Etihad in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Listed as the bookmakers’ favourites to conquer the continent before a ball was kicked, Pep Guardiola’s side are in danger of failing to qualify for the knockout round.
The Citizens are on the wrong side of the dotted line after hitting the self-destruct button away at PSG last midweek, on a night where both of my bets copped in the French capital.
However, City rebounded from that bruising setback in impressive fashion with a 3-1 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
As for Club Brugge, they also have work to do ahead of their final league phase assignment if they are to finish inside the top 24.
The Belgian outfit boosted their qualification hopes by battling their way to a 0-0 draw at home to Juventus last Tuesday night.
How the bookies view it: City to seal the deal
Manchester City – who are in must-win territory – are heavy odds-on favourites at 1/6 on Boylesports.
Club Brugge enter the Etihad as big outsiders at 14/1 on Boylesports, while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 7/1 with the same firm.
Head to head: History favours the hosts
The two teams previously came up against each other in the now-defunct Champions League group stage back in 2021. City cruised to victory in both of those contests, winning 4-1 at this venue, while they bagged a 5-1 victory in Belgium.
Players to watch: Phil to fill his boots?
Phil Foden has looked back to his brilliant best in recent weeks, hitting six goals across his last six appearances. Thus, the Man City ace merits consideration for an anytime strike on Wednesday night at 5/4 on Boylesports.
Hans Vanaken got himself on the scoresheet when the two teams last went toe-to-toe. The Belgian international is a noteworthy 9/1 (Bet 365) to notch at the Etihad this midweek.
Predicted line-ups
Man City again look set to be without injured quartet Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Rodri and Ruben Dias, while Jeremy Doku is a major doubt.
The visitors will be unable to call upon the services of Zaid Romero, but apart from that they have a clean bill of health.
Man City: Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Bernardo, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Savinho
Club Brugge: Mignolet; Sabbe, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onyedika, Jashari; Vetlesen, Vanaken, Skoras; Jutgla
Anything else catch the eye?
Given how vulnerable Man City have been defensively this season, backing Club Brugge to score at least once in this game stands out at 10/11 on Boylesports.
The Blue-Black have made the net bulge in five of their seven league phase assignments, including each of their three games away from home.
While emerging from the Etihad victorious could prove a bridge too far, Brugge could land a blow on a City backline that has been breached twice or more in each of their last four continental contests.
This UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Club Brugge will be played on Jan 29, 2025 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs Club Brugge prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
