2 Crvena Zvezda vs 3 Manchester City
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| Bet | Crvena Zvezda |
| Stake | 0.25 unit |
| Odds | 7.5 |
| Bookmaker | williamhill |
City close to becoming second English side with 100% UCL group-stage record.
In a David-versus-Goliath finale, FK Crvena Zvezda host the undefeated Manchester City at Red Star Stadium, aiming for a farewell victory while the English giants seek to maintain their perfect UEFA Champions League group stage record.
Crvena Zvezda
Zvezda are back in the star-studded arena of champions, hoping to exit the competition on a high note by picking up what would be their only victory in the UEFA Champions League this term.
Over the weekend, Red Star Belgrade secured a 3-1 win over Mladost Lučani in the Serbian SuperLiga. The victory marked their third consecutive win across all competitions, with their only recent defeat being the 2-0 loss to Young Boys on UCL Matchday 5.
Bottom-placed Zvezda have just one point at the bottom of Group G before the final game of the UCL group stage. They face an already-qualified Manchester City, who are guaranteed to finish as group winners.
On Matchday 1, Red Star suffered a 3-1 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad, which added to their three consecutive defeats against English sides in the UEFA Champions League. "The fault lies with all of us. It is a failure that we finished last in the group," head coach Barak Bakhar said after the defeat to Young Boys on Matchday 5.
Bakhar could line up a 4—1—2—1—2 with Osman Bukari and Cherif Ndiaye in attack for Wednesday’s clash against Manchester City, as he did against Young Boys.
Manchester City
Manchester City picked up a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Luton Town at the weekend. It was the club’s second win in five games across all competitions, the first being the 3-2 win over Leipzig on UCL matchday five.
City have little to worry about going into this midweek dead-rubber clash against Red Star. They sit towering above all others in Group G with a six-point cushion, having accumulated 15 points from five matches.
With five consecutive victories in the UCL group stage, keeping a 100% winning record will be the only reason for concern on Wednesday when City take on already-eliminated Red Star. A win would see Manchester City become the second English side to achieve the feat, mirroring Liverpool’s 100% winning record in the UCL group stage during the 2021-2022 season.
A 3-4-2-1 formation with Julián Álvarez in attack is expected against Red Star. Jérémy Doku and Erling Haaland, who failed to feature against the Hatters at the weekend, are both ruled out here.
"After Villa, he could not work properly. I spoke with him yesterday, and he said he feels much better. Maybe Crystal Palace, he will be ready. We will see," Pep said on Haaland.
Team form
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