RB Leipzig vs Manchester City Predictions & Match Preview

Leipzig and Manchester City are set to face each other in the first leg of the Champions League last 16, which will take place at Red Bull Arena and is expected to draw widespread attention.

In their last encounter in Germany, the Red Bulls emerged victorious over the Citizens. However, Pep Guardiola’s team are considered the favorites to win Tuesday’s game.

Christopher Nkunku, who has recovered from his injury, is vying for a starting spot. On the other hand, Diallo, Gulacsi, and Olmo are still undergoing treatment.

The Premier League champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest over the weekend, but they are undoubtedly capable of making things difficult for Leipzig in the elite competition.

Both teams possess significant attacking potential, and it is believed that betting on over 2.5 goals will yield significant value.

Erling Haaland, who has scored 26 goals in the English top flight this season, will be a player to watch for the away team. John Stones, a towering defender, is still unavailable due to an injury.

Team News:

Peter Gulacsi (ACL), Dani Olmo (thigh) and Abdou Diallo (knee) will be unavailable due to injuries for Leipzig.

However, Christopher Nkunku and Konrad Laimer have recovered and could feature in the upcoming game.

Nkunku, who recently returned from a three-month-long knee injury, may not be fully fit to start, and Andre Silva may continue up front with Timo Werner, Emil Forsberg and Dominik Szoboszlai providing support in the final third.

Laimer, who had a thigh issue, could partner Xaver Schlager in the center midfield, and Josko Gvardiol is likely to continue alongside Willi Orban at center-back. Changes in the full-back positions may also be considered by the coach.

On the other hand, Man City has a fully-fit squad except for John Stones, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.

Guardiola has made changes in defense in the previous 11 matches, and he may make further changes against Leipzig. Bernardo Silva is likely to continue in his makeshift left-back role, and Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan could keep their positions in midfield.

Riyad Mahrez may be included in the starting lineup, and Erling Braut Haaland is expected to lead the attack ahead of Julian Alvarez.