Shakhtar Donetsk host Manchester City on Tuesday night in Group F. Matchday 3 could make or break either side as a massive three points are at stake. Currently, Manchester City sit second in Group F behind Lyon.
Meanwhile Shakhtar are third after drawing their first two matches. The winner could move into first place in Group F, but it won’t be easy to pick up all three points in Ukraine.
Pep Guardiola’s team is flying high in the Premier League and sit in first place thanks to goal difference over Liverpool. The Blues have tallied a league leading 26 goals while conceding just three. Their Champions League goal haul hasn’t replicated the Premier League total. Just three goals have been scored while three have been conceded. Manchester City have looked vulnerable in Europe and have found themselves trailing in both Champions League games thus far.
Shakhtar have done just enough in their two Champions League matches. Both have ended in 2-2 draws. Shakhtar are coming off of another win in the Ukrainian Premier League. They defeated Desna 1-0. Manchester City’s attack will be far superior to anything Shakhtar face in their domestic league. Neither Lyon nor Hoffenheim (the other two clubs in Group F) have posed the threat of Manchester City do in the final third.
The two clubs met in last season’s Champions League. They split the two matches with each team winning the home leg. Shakhtar may not have the talent that Manchester City possesses, but they are dangerous at home.
The difference between this season’s competition and last year’s tournament is the group table. Manchester City had already sealed progression when they faced Shakhtar. The latter had to win to qualify for the knockout round and came out firing.
Guardiola will have Kyle Walker back from injury. The full-back is in contention for a place after missing out on the Blues’ recent league match with a groin injury. Fabian Delph has been left at home due to injury. Shakhtar suffered a major injury blow two weeks ago against Zory as influential left wing Taison ruptured his knee. He will be out for the foreseeable future.
Although Manchester City lost against Shakhtar in Ukraine last season, they go in as heavy favourites, according to top sportsbooks. There have been more than 2.5 goals scored in Shakhtar’s last seven of eight Champions League games. Manchester City should have no difficulty scoring goals and pick up all three points on Tuesday night.