UEFA Champions League
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Manchester City Preview
Manchester City third Champions League Group F clash against Shakhtar Donetsk will be from OSK Metalist Stadion.
City is coming off a beat down on Burnley FC this past Saturday that cemented them in Premier League’s first place.
Meanwhile, Shakhtar comes to this match after two draws and a slim win over Desna in league action.
Despite this, Shakhtar holds the lead in the Ukrainian Premier League standings with 31 points.
Team News
The Miners will be without Taison, Ivan Ordets and Marlos. However, Dentinho and Ismaily are doubtful for their match at home.
Nevertheless, Shakhtar boss Paulo Fonseca understands that this will be a difficult task against one of the worlds best players.
“We must be attentive absolutely in everything. We know very well how strong City is and what these performers are able to do: at any moment each of them can unbalance our game. You need to have full concentration in all aspects.”
Meanwhile, Citizens boss Pep Guardiola will be without Fabian Delph, Ilkay Gundogan and Danilo. Claudio Bravo is still out with a long-term Achilles tendon injury.
Guardiola remains hopeful of obtaining the remaining 12 points still to play.
“We have still 12 points to play for. It’s in our hands to go through to the next stage and compete and to make something in this competition, you have to live these kind of situations.”
The best news for Guardiola, however, will be the addition of Kyle Walker back to the team.
Possible Lineups
Shakhtar Donetsk XI: Pyatov, Ismaily, Rakitskiy, Khotcholava, Butko; Stepanenko, Maycon; Bolbat, Patrick, Malyshev; Moraes.
Manchester City XI: Ederson; Mendy, Laporte, Kompany, Walker; Fernandinho; D. Silva, B. Silva; Sane, Sterling; Jesus.
Prediction
The teams have met twice before in group stage of Champions League. Additionally, City failed to win last season at Shakhtar after losing 2-1.
Meanwhile, Shakhtar have never lost at home against an English side in European competition.
Nevertheless, Manchester City firepower with Gabriel de Jesus and Sergio Aguero will be hard to handle for the Ukrainian side.
Shaktar Donetsk 1 – 3 Manchester City
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