RB Leipzig and Manchester City will meet for the third time in the Champions League. The teams played a season ago in the competition’s group stage, as the teams split the fixtures. The Sky Blues posted a 6-3 win at the Etihad Stadium before going to the Red Bull Arena and losing 2-1.
Leipzig are unbeaten in 18 of their last 18 matches in all competitions. After a slow start to the season under Domenico Tedesco, he was sacked, and Marco Rose was hired. Rose, a former RB Salzburg coach, has transformed Leipzig’s campaign.
Manchester City are coming off a surprise 1-1 draw versus Nottingham Forest away from home in the Premier League.
The Cityzens’ draw saw them fall into second place in the standings.
City had a relatively easy time in the Champions League group stage with wins over Sevilla (twice), Borussia Dortmund, and Copenhagen. However, the Sky Blues have shown a vulnerability at times that was previously seen under Guardiola.
RB Leipzig smashed Wolfsburg at the weekend 3-0 thanks to goals from Emil Forsberg, Konrad Laimer, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Leipzig are in good form and will give Manchester City plenty to handle.
The Cityzens’ secret weapon will likely be Erling Haaland. The striker has a fantastic goalscoring record versus Leipzig from his time at Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland has scored more goals (six) against RB Leipzig than against any other team. The Norwegian won three of the four matches he played against Leipzig.
Just one player is on the injury list for Manchester City ahead of the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Defender John Stones is ruled out following a hamstring injury.
Leipzig will play with back-up goalkeeper Janis Blaswich. He took over goalkeeping duties from Peter Gulasci, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Blaswich has been solid in goal since taking over for Gulasci.
Midfielder Dani Olmo will miss the first leg due to a hamstring strain. He could return in time for the return match.
Defender Abdou Diallo is also ruled out of the first leg due to a knee problem.
RB Leipzig cannot be overlooked in the first leg at home with a passionate set of supporters. The Germans should get a draw out of the first leg with the match ending 2-2. The teams’ previous meetings were all high scoring. Wednesday’s game should see goals too.
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