Manchester City visit Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadion Maksimir safe in the knowledge that they’re through as Group C winners to the Champions League Knockout Stage.
Zagreb however need a win coupled with defeat for Shakhtar Donetsk against Atalanta, if they’re to join the Citizens in the next stage.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesSandro Kulenovic is Dinamo Zagreb’s only absentee with a broken foot.
Manchester City could have Oleksandr Zinchenko available if he passes a late fitness test, following a recent knee injury.
John Stones however is ruled out with a hamstring strain whilst Fernandinho is suspended, meaning that Eric Garcia and Taylor Harwodd-Bellis could start in central defence.
Sergio Aguero (muscle) is doubtful whilst Aymeric Laporte and Leroy Sane are still absent with knee injuries.
Stat Attack
- Dinamo Zagreb lost their only previous meeting with Manchester City, losing 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium in October.
- Man City have never played away to Croatian opposition before.
- If Man City score here, it will be the third consecutive season in which they have scored in all six of their Champions League group matches.
Prediction
With an injury crisis mounting up and a lack of decent defensive replacements, City will need to be on their guard here because Zagreb are a difficult team to beat at home which is a huge worry after Saturday’s embarrassment in the Manchester derby.
I however can see City getting a point if they are clinical with their chances like they were at Burnley last Tuesday, otherwise it will be another defeat to compound their form issues.
Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 2-2 Manchester City
Result: Dinamo Zagreb 1-4 Manchester City
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