Man City vs Shakhtar Donetsk preview, predictions & confirmed team news
Manchester City can secure their spot in the Champions League knockout phases with victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola’s men are so far unbeaten in Group C, having only dropped points once, and will be looking to put the seal on an impressive European campaign so far with another result against the Ukrainian outfit.
For Shakhtar, this will be their sixth meeting against the reigning Premier League champions in just two years, but they have only tasted victory once over the Etihad club. Luis Castro’s side currently occupy second-place in the group and will be desperate to clinch at least a point later this week.
Read on for Man City vs Shakhtar preview, predictions, TV info, team news and more.
When is Man City vs Shakhtar and where can I watch live?
Competition: Champions League
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Date: Tuesday, 26 November 2019
Kick-off: 8:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): BT Sport 3
Pep Guardiola refusing to give up on title
Last five meetings: Man City vs Shakhtar
18 Sep 2019: Shakhtar 0-3 Man City (Champions League)
07 Nov 2018: Man City 6-0 Shakhtar (Champions League)
23 Oct 2018: Shakhtar 0-3 Man City (Champions League)
06 Dec 2017: Shakhtar 2-1 Man City (Champions League)
26 Sep 2017: Man City 2-0 Shakhtar (Champions League)
Aggregate Score: Man City (WWWLW) 15-2 Shakhtar (LLLWL)
Ones to watch
Man City: Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne has been Man City’s standout player this campaign and is enjoying the form of his life. Every time the Belgian takes to the pitch he tends to conjure up moments of magic, and will look to do the same against Shakhtar.
In 12 Premier League games this term, De Bruyne has provided 12 direct goal contributions (three goals, nine assists), making him indispensable to Guardiola and the man to look out for on Tuesday night.
Key stat: De Bruyne has created more chances than any other player in the Premier League this season (46).
Shakhtar: Taison
Shakhtar boast a strong contingent of Brazilian players on the books, but their main threat is captain Taison. The diminutive No. 7 is blessed with exceptionally skilful feet and a threatening end product, meaning whichever right-back Guardiola opts to field on Tuesday will need to bring their A-game.
The Brazil international already has six goals and six assists to his name this season across all competitions, but he is yet to hit his stride in the Champions League. Given Shakhtar’s current predicament in the group, now would be a good time to find his feet.
Key stat: In 17 games this season Taison has made 12 direct goal contributions for Shakhtar.
Team news
Man City
Rodri returns to the Man City side despite being taken off with a suspected injury in the win over Chelsea at the weekend.
Ederson returns in goal while Nicolas Otamendi joins Fernandinho in defence at the expense of John Stones. There are also starts for Bernardo Silva and Angelino, with the former returing having served a suspension against Chelsea.
Confirmed XI: Ederson; Cancelo, Fernandinho, Otamendi, Angelino; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, Sterling, Jesus.
Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.
Shakhtar
Castro will take his squad to the North West without influential winger Marlos, who is banned from this fixture having been sent off against Dinamo Zagreb in the last match.
Confirmed XI: Pyatov; Dodo, Kryvtsov, Matviyenko, Ismaily; Alan Patrick, Stepanenko; Tete, Kovalenko, Konoplyanka; Moraes.
Squawka prediction
Man City have been impressive in the Champions League this season and will no doubt want to seal qualification to the knockout phases as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Their track record against Shakhtar is tilted heavily in their favour, while they have already cruised to a 3-0 win earlier this term. All the indications point towards a comfortable Man City win.
Scoreline prediction: Man City 2-0 Shakhtar
