Manchester City will be looking to make it three wins from three in the Champions League group stage tonight when they take on FC Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium.
A win tonight could put City on the cusp of qualifying for the last-16 with the Blues already three points clear at the top of Group G, although that will depend on the outcome of Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund.
Pep Guardiola’s side have already seen off Sevilla and Dortmund – 4-0 and 2-1 respectively – and will be looking to carry their free-scoring form into tonight’s contest.
FC Copenhagen are currently third in the group standings having taken one point from their opening two matches. The Danish champions fell to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat in Dortmund on matchday one, but were able to take a point of Sevilla at home with a goalless draw.
In terms of team news, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and John Stones are all out, although Rodri could return after missing Sunday’s 6-3 defeat of Manchester United. We’ll bring you the confirmed team news at about 6:45pm.
Follow live updates from The Etihad Stadium all evening below …
18:04SIMON BAJKOWSKI
Can Sergio Gomez rise to the challenge?
Tonight could be an important moment for Sergio Gomez.
He has had plenty of appearances since joining the club in summer but hasn’t been a regular starter. After 50 minutes off the bench to cover Kyle Walker’s injury on Sunday, he will now have the chance to start and play another 90 just days later if Guardiola decides he is ready for the challenge.
That is a significant hurdle for any player who arrives from a club that hasn’t been playing three games a week to put their body through it.
Sergio Gomez impressed in his first Manchester derby (Image: Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
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18:01ALEX BROTHERTON
Minutes for Mahrez?
The drop off in Riyad Mahrez’s form has arguably been the surprise of City’s season so far. The Algerian winger was City’s top scorer last season, but he has started just two of the Blues’ eight Premier League fixtures in 2022/23.
With Phil Foden and Jack Grealish impressing against United on Sunday, it now looks harder than ever for Mahrez to win back a regular starting spot. He’ll be hoping to come into the side this evening.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s game, Pep Guardiola explained why Mahrez is not in the team and what he needs to do in order to get regular minutes.
Simon Bajkowski has got the fully story here.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Riyad Mahrez in action during training at Manchester City Football Academy on September 29, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
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17:54ALEX BROTHERTON
Pep isn’t getting carried away
On paper FC Copenhagen might be the weakest side in Group G, but speaking to the media yesterday Pep Guardiola stressed that City’s Danish opponents should not be underestimated.
“I know what they can do, they have a quality to play and are brave to go forward, when they have the ball they don’t just play long balls to the striker.
“They have the ability and courage to play and we have to try to force them to play long balls but they have many many things. I was surprised this morning when I watched how many good things they did.”
(Image: Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
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17:38ALEX BROTHERTON
Predicted City XI
After City put on an exhibition of blistering attacking football against Manchester United on Sunday, Guardiola might be tempted to select the same starting XI.
However, with a packed fixture schedule coming up and some fresh injury concerns, the City boss is likely to make at least a couple of changes to his team.
John Stones, Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips are all out through injury, but it remains to be seen whether or not Rodri is deemed fit enough to return to the squad after suffering a calf issue before the derby.
With a tricky fixture against Southampton coming up on Saturday, Guardiola might opt to give minutes to those who have been on the fringes of late, such as Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.
Here’s how our City writers think Guardiola will set up his team tonight.
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17:24LEE SWETTENHAM
City vs Copenhagen odds
The Blues are VERY heavy favourites …
Man City – 1/25
Draw – 14/1
FC Copenhagen – 40/1
Erling Haaland Goal odds
To Score First – 7/5
To Score at Any Time – 2/11
To Score 2+ Goals – 10/11
To Score a Hat-Trick – 14/5
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17:22ALEX BROTHERTON
Previous meetings
City have only ever faced FC Copenhagen twice before, with both encounters proving to be entertaining affairs.
The Blues drew the Danish giants in the round of 32 of the 2008/09 UEFA Europa League, and sneaked through to the last-16 with a 4-3 aggregate win.
The first leg in Denmark ended in a 2-2 draw, with Nedum Onuoha and Stephen Ireland scoring for Mark Hughes’ side.
Copenhagen put up some tough resistance in the return leg at the Etihad, but two goals from Craig Bellamy were enough to send the Blues through.