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Manchester City v Club Bruges preview
Champions of Europe in 2023, Manchester City are on the verge of an unthinkable exit in the new-look structure.
Going into the final round of games in 25th place in the Champions League table, only a win against the in-form Belgian side will be enough for City to make a play-off.
Pep Guardiola said: “I expect a tough game. When a team are unbeaten in 20 games it’s because they are good, there’s no secret there. I saw some of the games, when they played Aston Villa and Juventus and against Milan they played good. They have done really well. They have different variations in build-up and man marking – they make it uncomfortable.
“Of course in every team, Man City included, there are weaknesses and you have to discover them and punish them.
Watch as the league table adjusts based on the scores you input 👀
Simulate the Champions League standings 👇#UCL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 28, 2025
“We would like to score lots of goals in the first 20 minutes but I don’t think that will happen. The approach is to read the game, understand the game and tomorrow we know we have to put in something special to win games in Champions League.
“It’s simple if we don’t win we are out, if we win we are through.
“I have been in the Champions League many times in my career as a manager. Sooner or later you have to play these types of games – win and we’re through lose and we’re out.”
Manchester City v Club Bruges team news
City have had more than their fair share of injury problems this season but have been boosted by the return of John Stones in the last week and he looks set to play.
JOSKO 💬 Tomorrow is a final for us… we want to be in the next stage. Our confidence is quite good. We are at home and we will have a huge spirit from our fans. I think we will be ready. pic.twitter.com/4rZs2qnlMG
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 28, 2025
Also involved could be forward Oscar Bobb, who is back in training having missed the whole of the season so far. All three new signings are not eligible.
Predicted line-ups
Man City: Ederson; Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Gundogan, Silva; Foden, Haaland, Savinho
Bruges: Mignolet; Sabbe, Mechele, Ordonez, De Cuyper; Jashari, Onyedika; Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis; Jutgla
The Stats
- In 15 of the last 17 Manchester City matches in the Champions League, the sum of goals was over 2.5
- In 14 of the last 16 Manchester City home matches in the Champions League, the sum of goals was over 2.5
- In 11 of the last 13 Manchester City matches in the Champions League, the sum of goals was over 3.5
- In 10 of the last 12 Manchester City home matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
- In the last 5 Manchester City matches the sum of goals was over 3.5
- Club Bruges have won 10 of the last 12 matches while scoring more than 1.5 goals
- In 10 of the last 12 Club Bruges matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
- Club Bruges have won 5 of the last 6 matches and the sum of goals was over 2.5
- In 7 of the last 9 Club Bruges away matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
- In 8 of the last 10 Club Bruges matches in the Champions League, the sum of goals was under 3.5
How to watch on TV & stream
All 18 Champions League matches are live on TNT Sports and Discovery + in the UK. Viewers can stream via the Discovery + app.
Prediction
City were dismal in the last half hour of their defeat in Paris last week and have twice thrown away two-goal leads in the competition this season. Bruges may be in good form but surely City’s quality and strength in depth will prove too much?
The Belgian side are almost certain to qualify but only a win will do for City and expect Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne to drag their side over the line in a 2-0 win.
