Champions League holders Manchester City begin the defense of the continental crown with a home game against Serbian side Red Star Belgrade at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s men come into this fixture at the back of a 3-1 victory against West Ham over the weekend that saw them maintain their 100% Premier League start to the season.
Erling Haaland, who won the Champions League Golden Boot last season with 12 goals is expected to replicate his goal-scoring form this season starting with Red Star. The Norwegian has already scored seven goals from five Premier League appearances this season.
As Manchester City look hot, Red Star who lost their league game over the weekend seem an easier opponent if their recent form is to go by.
The Serbian champions have lost the last two SuperLiga matches despite going on a four-match winning streak prior to this. Their defense has also been leaky, conceding six goals in the last three matches.
Putting all this into account makes Red Star the underdogs in this fixture and the fact that they are playing away from home makes it even more harder. They will need to work hard if they want to get something from this match.
Team News
Kevin De Bruyne is a long-term absentee for Manchester City, with Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish, and John Stones all doubtful for the game.
Man City have top quality in the squad that can easily cover for the absentees, as seen over the weekend when Jeremy Doku did what Grealish does on the wing and more.
Red Star don’t have any injuries by press time so everyone is available for selection.
