MANCHESTER CITY welcome FC Copenhagen for the formality of the Champions League Round of 16 second leg on Wednesday.
And with a first leg lead of 3-1 in Denmark, a hard-fought Manchester derby behind them and their toughest domestic match of the season at Liverpool ahead of them on Sunday, there's a very good chance this could be a much-changed line-up from the European champions.
Pep Guardiola's side had to dig deep to recover from being a goal down at half time to United to recover with a couple of Phil Foden goals before Erling Haaland made up for an incredible first half miss to grab his customary strike.
That made it 15 wins from their last 16 games since they went to the World Club Cup and won it and they can afford to relax after doing the hard work in Denmark.
FC Copenhagen must know this is a damage limitation job and any attempt to claw back a two-goal deficit could lead to the hosts hitting them on the break.
They can hardly approach this with confidence either after a weekend defeat at FC Midtjylland left them in third place in the Danish Super League.
How the bookies view it.
Manchester City don't need to win of course, but that hasn't stopped them being installed as massive favourites as short as 1/9 in places although you can get 2/13 with 888Sport.
FC Copenhagen can be backed by brave punters at 22/1 with 10bet. The draw is 8/1 with Paddy Power.
Recent head to heads
Manchester City not only won 3-1 in the first leg a couple of weeks ago, but also thrashed the Danes on their last visit to the Etihad two years ago in a 5-0 romp.
Players to watch
Erling Haaland may well be rested here and some of City's fringe stars may get their chance to impress. His countryman Oscar Bobb has already scored in the Champions League and Premier League this season and is 14/5 with UniBet to net on Wednesday.
Former Celtic star Mo Elyounoussi has scored eight goals already this season for club and country and is 8/1 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
No matter what XI is put out by Pep Guardiola, there will almost certainly be a gulf in class and he will want to get the job done quickly and efficiently to start to turn his thoughts for their Anfield crunch.
City to win minus a goal on the first half handicap is attractively priced at 21/10 at Coral and that could be the shout if City go for a fast start.
This could be played like a glorified friendly with City unlikely to be up for a battle and Copenhagen surely resigned to their fate. There were only two cards in the first leg in a hostile atmosphere at the Parken Stadium, which it certainly is not at the Etihad. Go for under 2.5 cards with UniBet at 15/8.
This UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and FC Copenhagen will be played on Mar 6, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City vs FC Copenhagen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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