Manchester City vs Feyenoord

Etihad Stadium forms the backdrop for a must-win UEFA Champions League encounter between Manchester City and Feyenoord.

Manchester City relinquished a three-game unbeaten Champions League run at the beginning of the league phase (W2, D1) in a disastrous 4-1 defeat at Sporting CP last time out. At the risk of losing back-to-back European fixtures for the first time since 2018, Pep Guardiola’s men head into proceedings amid a full-blown crisis, having lost five consecutive matches in all competitions, including a humiliating 4-0 loss to Tottenham at the weekend. That result knocked them down from a club-record 52-game unbeaten streak at the Etihad. However, the Citizens haven’t lost any of their last 33 Champions League outings on home turf (W29, D4). Moreover, they have kept a clean sheet in both continental fixtures here this season, which bodes well after conceding 2+ goals in their last five competitive contests.

On the other hand, Feyenoord have blown hot and cold in the Champions League this season (W2, L2). However, they’re still firmly in contention for knockout progression despite a disheartening 3-1 home defeat to RB Salzburg in the previous round. Brian Priske’s men have gone from strength to strength on the road, winning both European away games this term against Benfica and Girona. Both victories saw them score precisely three goals, giving the De Kuip faithful hope Feyenoord could find the net at the Etihad after losing both previous Champions League H2Hs without scoring. Adding to the visitors’ confidence, the abovementioned wins in the current Champions League campaign form part of Feyenoord’s superb 21-game unbeaten streak away from home (W15, D6).