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Red Star Belgrade vs Manchester City predictions for Wednesday’s Champions League clash. The reigning Champions League champions, Manchester City, are headed to Serbia to take on Red Star Belgrade in their last Group G match at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Wednesday, 13th December at 5:45 pm In:
Crvena Zvezda vs Manchester City Predictions
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European Encounter: Manchester City's Tactical Test Against Red Star Belgrade
Key Stats
- Manchester City aims to become the first English team to win eight consecutive games in the European Cup/Champions League.
- Julián Álvarez could play a pivotal role in Haaland’s absence, bringing his dynamic attacking play to the forefront.
In a Champions League fixture imbued with historical significance, Manchester City, the reigning champions, are set to visit Red Star Belgrade at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. This match follows their previous encounter at the Etihad Stadium, where City overcame a halftime deficit to win 3-1. Despite both teams' contrasting fortunes in Group G, this final fixture holds considerable intrigue.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Manchester City, under the astute management of Pep Guardiola, are known for their assertive and dominating style of play, often taking control of matches from the outset. This approach is especially potent in European fixtures, where they have demonstrated their ability to establish early leads and maintain them throughout the game. Despite their recent mixed results in the Premier League, City's performance in the Champions League has been stellar, winning all their group matches so far. This suggests a strong likelihood of them imposing their game plan from the first whistle in Belgrade.
Red Star, on the other hand, has had a challenging Champions League campaign, rooted at the bottom of Group G. While they have shown resilience in their domestic league, their European form indicates a struggle against top-tier opposition like Man City. Additionally, City's motivation to equal the record of winning all six group-stage matches, as previously achieved by Liverpool, adds an extra layer of incentive for them to perform consistently across both halves.
Given these factors, betting on Manchester City to lead at half-time and then go on to win the match presents a valuable opportunity for bettors, reflecting the English side's superiority and tactical consistency.
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Team Overview
Red Star Belgrade's European Farewell
Red Star, already consigned to finish at the bottom of their group, will play for pride. Despite their disappointing Champions League campaign, they have been formidable domestically, setting a European record for the longest-ever unbeaten league run at home. Bakhar's team, spearheaded by the attacking prowess of Aleksandar Katai and Osman Bukari, will aim to challenge City and finish their European journey on a high note.
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Manchester City's Quest for Perfection
Guardiola's City, meanwhile, are in a comfortable position, having already secured qualification. However, they'll be playing for more than just pride, with the prospect of becoming the second English club to win all six Champions League group-stage matches in a single season. Despite recent mixed results in the Premier League, City's depth and tactical flexibility make them a formidable opponent in any context.
Tactical Analysis and Key Duels
Midfield Battle
The midfield tussle will be crucial. City, possibly featuring Kalvin Phillips, will aim to control the tempo against Red Star's industrious midfield, including In-Beom Hwang.
Defensive Resilience vs Attacking Flair
Red Star's defensive unit, likely led by Dragovic, will face a stern test against City's fluid attacking movement. The battle between Red Star's defence and City's dynamic forwards could be decisive.
Managerial Strategies and Critique
Barak Bakhar (Red Star Belgrade)
Bakhar's ability to motivate his team for this final European match will be key. His tactical approach needs to balance defensive solidity with exploiting City's occasional lapses.
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Guardiola's rotation policy will be under scrutiny. His decision to rest key players could impact City's rhythm, but it also showcases the depth and versatility of his squad.
Improvement Suggestions
Red Star Belgrade
Red Star should focus on tightening their defensive organisation and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities.
Manchester City
City must aim to maintain their defensive concentration throughout the match and efficiently rotate their squad without losing their tactical coherence.
Expected Lineups and Impact
Red Star Belgrade: Glazer; Nedeljkovic, Djiga, Dragovic, Mijailovic, Rodic; In-Beom, Stamenic, Ivanic; Krasso, Bukari.
Manchester City: Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gomez; Phillips, Kovacic; Bobb, Nunes, Grealish; Álvarez.
Red Star’s lineup indicates a blend of experience and youth, with Bukari and Krasso being key in attack. City, meanwhile, might field a rotated side, giving players like Álvarez and Phillips crucial minutes.
Predictions and Insights
1. Match Outcome: Manchester City Win
Despite Manchester City's recent inconsistency in the Premier League, their Champions League form has been imperious. The Citizens, under Pep Guardiola, have displayed a level of depth and tactical flexibility that few teams can match. Facing a Red Star Belgrade side that has struggled in Europe, City's superior quality, even with potential squad rotations, should shine through. Red Star's impressive domestic form, while commendable, might not suffice against a team of City's calibre, especially given City's motivation to make history in the competition.
2. Correct Score Prediction: Red Star Belgrade 1-3 Manchester City
A 3-1 victory for Manchester City reflects the attacking potency they possess, even in the absence of key players like Erling Haaland. City's ability to create and convert chances from various areas of the pitch should prove too much for Red Star's defence. However, Red Star's attacking talent, particularly in their home environment, might find a way through City's defence, leading to a consolation goal. The predicted scoreline takes into account both City’s attacking prowess and the likelihood of Red Star finding the net at least once in front of their home crowd.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Julián Álvarez (Manchester City)
With Erling Haaland ruled out due to injury, Julián Álvarez is likely to lead the line for City. Álvarez has shown his capability to step up in crucial moments, and his agility, positioning, and finishing skills make him a prime candidate to score against Red Star. Given City's propensity to create numerous scoring opportunities, Álvarez is well-placed to capitalize and add to his goal tally in the Champions League.
4. Corner Prediction: Manchester City to Win More Corners
Manchester City’s playing style, characterised by maintaining possession and creating width through their wingers and full-backs, often leads to a high number of corner opportunities. This trend is likely to continue against Red Star, especially considering City’s attacking approach and Red Star's potential defensive setup. Predicting a total of over 9 corners in the match aligns with both teams’ styles of play, with City expected to dominate this aspect due to their attacking pressure and ball retention.
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