Full steam ahead for City
The Sky Blues fell short against Liverpool in the quarters back in March, the only team that seemed to have the measure against them last season. Now they’re back and more tenacious than ever.
City
Last year looked to be City’s year, with supreme football philosopher Pep Guardiola having been at the helm for over a full season and City marauding their way to the Premier League title. It looked like it was meant to be and that they would brush aside anyone in Europe.
But it didn’t happen. Now City are back as rightful champions of England and top seeds, drawn into a fairly comfortable group alongside the likes of Hoffenheim, Shakhtar Donetsk and Lyon.
Pep Guardiola’s side went three for three at home in the group stage last season
City navigated a trickier group last season that also included Shakhtar so they shouldn’t have too much trouble this time round.
Pep Guardiola’s side went three for three at home in the group stage last season, only conceding one in the process. Sergio Agüero could be a doubt for the match but with Sané, Sterling and Jesus up front there’s plenty left in the tank without the petit Argentine marksman on the pitch.
Despite a routine 3-0 City win over Fulham at the weekend, Guardiola has blasted his players for their sloppiness. They’ll want to get back on his good side for sure.
Lyon
Lyon will be looking to progress from the group stage this time round after stumbling at the first hurdle in both 2015-16 and 2016-17 campaigns. This could be their opportunity to get to the knockout stage promised land if they can overcome freshman team Hoffenheim and pick up points against Shakhtar.
Depending on your outlook, starting with City away is either one to get out of the way, or a potential early stumbling block. It will certainly be their hardest game, but then Les Gones probably aren’t expecting much from a trip to the Etihad.
Memphis Depay is likely to start up top after being rested at the weekend. It’s been a mixed start to the season for Lyon, with losses to Nice and Reims, and only managing a draw against Caen at the weekend.
There are a couple of ex-United boys in Depay and Rafael who’ll want to get revenge on City, but they’ll most likely be left empty handed.
Match Tips
City are favourites to top their group and it’s no wonder why. Their first game at home should be a fairly routine defeat of a Lyon side that are a shadow of their former selves from the glory days of the late 2000s. Not to disrespect the French side but it’s more likely a question of how many goals, rather than if City will win.
I predict a fairly routine City win. With odds of 1/5 (1.2) with Betway there isn’t the most value it’s true, but it should yield results nonetheless.
