Manchester City Women vs Barcelona Women
Women's UEFA Champions League, KO: 20:00 Oct 9, 2024, Joie Stadium
Barcelona begin the defence of their UEFA Women’s Champions League title with a Group D trip to Manchester City. Both teams have looked sharp this season but the Spaniards appear to be a notch higher than everyone else at the moment and should have the upper hand here.
Manchester City reached the semi-final of the Women’s Champions League in 2017-18 but have fallen short in recent times. Gareth Taylor's team failed to make it to the group phase last season, crashing in the first qualifying round.
It has been a solid start to the season for Manchester City, who are top of the Women’s Super League after going unbeaten in their opening three matches. They have claimed two wins in that run, including a 2-0 win over West Ham last weekend.
Barcelona have dominated the Women’s Champions League in recent times, winning three of the last four competitions. They are the current back-to-back champions and are targeting a third straight title.
The Spaniards will head into Wednesday’s clash with plenty of confidence as they are maintaining a 100% record in the Primera Division Femenina after five matches. Pere Romeu’s team warmed up for the trip to Manchester with an 8-0 victory over Madrid last weekend.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona overwhelming favourites
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 19/50 by bet365 to claim the win. Manchester City are considered outsiders with a home win valued at 5/1 by bet365, who is also offering odds of 4/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Slight edge for City
Manchester City have a 2-1 advantage from three previous matches against Barcelona. Both teams met in the Women’s Champions League in 2021, with the Spaniards winning 3-0 at home before City claimed a 2-1 victory in the second leg.
Players to watch: Barcelona’s attack to shine
The goals have flowed freely for Barcelona, who have found the net 18 times in the last two matches. The likes of Ewa Pajor and Alexia Putellas have been particularly impressive and can help the Spaniards produce over 1.5 goals at 1/2 with bet365.
Manchester City also have quality going forward, led by Khadija Shaw. With Vivianne Miedema and Lauren Hemp providing support, City could be set to produce over 0.5 goals at 8/11 with bet365.
Probable line-ups
Shaw and Miedema were second half substitutes for Manchester City in the win over West Ham and could be handed a start on Wednesday. Alex Greenwood is expected to continue at the heart of the defence.
Putellas could be handed a start for Barcelona after making a second half appearance at Madrid over the weekend. Pajor should lead the line once again while Irene Paredes is likely to feature at the back.
Manchester City: Yamashita, Quahabi, Greenwood, Aleixandri, Casparij, Roord, Hasegawa, Blindkilde Brown, Miedema, Hemp, Shaw
Barcelona: Coll, Fernandez, Engen, Paredes, Brugts, Walsh, Putellas, Guijarro, Lopez, Graham Hansen, Pajor
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the quality in both attacks, there are likely to be goals on Wednesday. Over 3.5 goals is valued at 13/8 by bet365, who is also offering 13/20 for over 2.5 goals while both teams could be backed to score at evens with bet365.
Given the minimal odds for a straight Barcelona victory, a win and both teams to score could be considered at 9/4 with bet365. The Spaniards are expected to have the upper hand and could be backed to score in both halves at 11/10 by bet365.
This Women's UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City Women and Barcelona Women will be played on Oct 9, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester City Women vs Barcelona Women prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
