The Daily Star Ireland
Manchester City remains a top contender for the Champions League trophy this season. Despite an easy schedule, they have only managed to accumulate seven points in four matches, the same as Lille, Leverkusen, Arsenal, and Atlético Madrid.
Pep Guardiola’s squad has not been as dominant, notably suffering a 4-1 defeat to Sporting, highlighted by a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. City’s campaign started with a 0-0 draw against Inter, followed by comfortable wins over Slovan Bratislava (4-0) and Sparta Prague (5-0).
Fortunately for City, they did not face tougher opponents from pots 3 and 4. The international break came at an opportune time, breaking a streak of four consecutive losses in all competitions, including Premier League defeats to Brighton (2-1) and Bournemouth (2-1), a heavy Champions League loss to Sporting, and a surprising EFL Cup elimination by Tottenham (2-1).
Last weekend, City faced Tottenham in the Premier League, aiming to bounce back. Meanwhile, Feyenoord, currently 21st in the top 24, is ahead of teams like PSV, PSG, Girona, and Atlético Madrid, with six points from four matches. Though not expected to reach the top 8, surprises like Lille and Brest suggest anything is possible. Feyenoord’s recent form includes a defeat to Red Bull Salzburg (1-3) following wins over Benfica (3-1) and Girona (3-2). Domestically, they remain strong, having hosted Heerenveen last weekend after a victory against Almere City (4-1).
City is grappling with numerous injuries. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament injury. The infirmary also includes young talent Bobb, captain Ruben Dias, winger Jack Grealish, and key player John Stones. Nonetheless, the team boasts Premier League top scorer Erling Braut Haaland (12 goals), who has excelled in the Nations League for Norway, as well as stars like Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Mateo Kovacic (3 PL goals). Other notable players include Gvardiol, Belgian international Doku, and the impressive Savio.
For Feyenoord, Nadje, who was sent off against RB Salzburg, will miss this match. Other absentees include Santiago Gimenez (2 goals, 1 assist), Japanese international Ueda (3 league goals), Stengs, Biljow, and Hartman due to injuries. Milambo, who was ill for the Salzburg match, is expected to return. Striker Ibrahim Osman (2 goals, 2 assists) and Jordan Lotomba are doubtful.
Prediction
Feyenoord has avoided goalless draws in their last 29 away Champions League matches since their draw with City. Manchester City has seen goals in 17 of their last 18 home fixtures at this level, so at least one goal is expected in this match.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-3 Feyenoord
