Manchester City will be looking to continue their great form this season as they take on the highest seed in group F, Ukrainian Champions Shakhtar Donetsk. City’s form has been well documented this term as Pep Guardiola’s men have banged in the goals but they will be fully aware of the threat Paulo Fonseca’s men pose.
UEFA Champions’ League Group F – Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk – Etihad Stadium
Tuesday 26th September 2017
Kick-off: 19.45 GMT
Manchester City – Best Odds – 2/9 (Sky Bet)
Shakhtar Donetsk – Best Odds – 14/1 (Paddy Power)
Draw – Best Odds – 6/1 (William Hill)
Manchester City
Manchester City have been in imperious form this term and remain unbeaten in all competitions despite a scare at West Bromwich Albion in the EFL Cup on Wednesday. City have managed 17 goals in their last 4 games – including a 4-0 demolition of Feyenoord at De Kuip on Match Day 1 of the Champions League which made the rest of the competition stand up and take notice. The form of Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero has had City fans salivating this term and they will be desperate to add to their combined total of 11 goals between them already this season.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar currently sit in second place in the Ukranian Championship, behind arch rivals Dynamo Kyiv by virtue of scoring fewer goals. They have only conceded 4 goals in all competitions this season – one of which was at home to Napoli on match day 1 as the Italian side were dispatched of 2-1 in Kharkiv.
Head to Head
This is the inaugural meeting between Manchester City and Shakhtar Donetsk and it promises to be an entertaining encounter. The return leg between the two sides will take place in Kharkiv (where Shakhtar are currently playing their home games) on Wednesday 6th December – which could well decide which groups progress from group F.
Odds and Predictions
City have been in great form lately but Shakhtar are the top seed in the group for good reason.
Both teams to score in the match is a healthy 10/11 with Bet 365.
Shakhtar are a notoriously physical opponent and will look to make life awkward for the Blues.
Shakhtar Donetsk to pick up 4 or more cards in the match is a generous 18/5 with William Hill.
Sergio Aguero has scored in his last 3 starts and is City’s record goal scorer in the Champions League.
Sergio Aguero to score anytime is 8/15 with Sky Bet.
Shakhtar will be focusing on keeping City at bay for as long as possible.
Draw at half time/Man City at full time – pays 19/5 with Bet Victor.
Score Prediction
Manchester City 2 – 1 Shakhtar Donetsk – 17/2 with Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip
This could be a fascinating encounter and will be a real test of City’s credentials in Europe this season.
Manchester City to win and both teams to score looks a shrewd bet at 6/4.