Champions League: City on the Euro Charge

Lyon vs Manchester City

All roads lead to Lyon for Manchester City fans this week, as Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues continue their European assault against the Ligue 1 side.

There will be a passionate crowd at the Stade des Lumieres in Lyon, with well over 50,000 fans backing their team against Pep’s superstars and, of course, the hosts have already beaten City in the opening game of this competition. And head coach Bruno Genesio will be scheming to put another one over the Champions League favourites.

OL is the only team to beat Manchester City this season and that is among the biggest Champions League 2018 news we’ve seen so far. Can they possibly do it again? Well, this Manchester City side is in devastating form so the French need a near miracle to repeat their triumph.

Talking Points

Ruthless Sky Blues

According to the latest Champions League 2018 betting odds, Manchester City is the favourite to lift the trophy next May, with SBOBET odds of 4.50, and only Barcelona and Juventus joining them in single figure odds.

The Sky Blues are on a fantastic run, and are well on target to reach the 100 points mark they smashed through last season. With breathtaking attacking options, City have scored 19 goals in the last four games, conceding two, and one of those in a 3-1 derby win over Manchester United.

The Champions were at it again on Saturday, making a difficult trip to West Ham look like a walk in the park, Leroy Sane was on target twice as City ran out 0-4 winners.

They have been on this incredible run of eight wins without, arguably, their best player, Kevin de Bruyne. But when you look at the riches Pep has at his disposal, this team is beginning to look indestructible. David Silva seems to be getting better and better, Riyad Mahrez has settled well at the Etihad, and Gabriel Jesus already has three Champions League goals, alongside Silva.

Can Lyon beat City again?

Lyon is a good side, second in Ligue 1, albeit 15 points behind runaway leaders PSG, and with plenty of firepower in their own ranks as the Sky Blues discovered to their cost. Getting to halftime still in the game was Lyon’s objective at the Etihad, but they reached the break 0-2 up in the Champions League opener, holding on to win 1-2 and collect a crucial three points.

But Genesio’s team recently conceded a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Hoffenheim and keep alive the Germans’ hopes of qualification. So the French really need something from this game to stay in control of their own destiny. Hoffenheim is three points behind, in third place, and faces bottom team Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

Nabil Fekir is a key player for Lyon and has caused the home fans a scare this weekend, taken off at halftime in a Ligue 1 victory over Saint Etienne on Friday. But the captain insists he’ll be fit to face City. The France international was on target at the Etihad and again in the recent game against Hoffenheim, and he is certainly one for City to watch. He has two Champions League goals to his name and the skill to turn a game in a second.

Nabil Fekir is expected to step up for Lyon as they face Manchester City at home in the Champion League — Nabil Fekir in action for Lyon during their Champions League match against Hoffenheim

In attack, and just in front of Fekir, former Manchester United striker Memphis Depay has linked up well with PSG trainee Moussa Dembele; while in defence, Brazilian centre-back Marcelo is a big presence and full-back Jason Denayer will be ready for the task of keeping City’s wing players at bay.

History

After a shock defeat to start this season’s Champions League campaign, the Sky Blues got up and running with a win against Hoffenheim and haven’t looked back.

Pep’s boys are on a winning streak of eight matches; and have won the last three games away from home, as well as being unbeaten in 12 away.

OL is unbeaten in seven, in all competitions back to early October, when they were on the end of a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of PSG.

Betting Tip

	Lyon vs Manchester City	Manchester City First Half 1X2 @ 1.86
	November 28, 04:00 (GMT+8)

I don’t think Lyon will collapse against Manchester City, but the Premier League champions have more firepower than the Ligue 1 leaders, and that’s not a comforting thought for the underdogs.

Lyon is at 7.40 with the draw at 4.70 and Manchester City hot favourites at odds of 1.39, and all eight Champions League matches involving these sides have featured over 2.50 goals. Over 3.50 is available at 2.02 for this game.

But I’m backing a professional display from the Sky Blues and I think they’ll control this game from the off.