Manchester City vs Lyon

UCL 2018-19 – Manchester City vs Lyon Match Preview

Pep’s City will begin yet another Champions League campaign as they chase the title that has eluded them throughout their history. City will host an out of form Lyon side who can still be dangerous on any given day so this shapes up to be a very entertaining game between two sides who have fantastic attacking talent. City are massively favoured but don’t count out Lyon.

Key Facts

Man City have picked up where they left off last season with 4W 1D 0L and being the tied for top scoring side with 14 goals

Man City have scored 11 goals in 3 home games this season winning all 3

Aguero and Sterling are City’s tied top scorers with 3 goals each

Bejamin Mendy is City’s top assists man with 4 from LB position. He’s a doubt to feature here though.

Lyon have made a slow start with only 2 wins from 5 in their domestic league and sit 7th.

Lyon have surprisingly had more unders than overs. 3 of their 4 games had under 2.5 goals. Also all 3 of those had BTTS – No

Traore is Lyon’s top scorer with 2 goals.

Lyon are winless away from home. Lost 1-0 to Reims and drew 2-2 with 10 men Caen

Team News

Man City: Man City do have some injury news to report. Benjamin Mendy appears to have picked up a minor injury and is expected to miss out on the clash against Lyon therefore meaning that Fabian Delph is the top candidate to fill at LB like he’s done last season and during the weekend game against Fulham with Mendy out. Also, Sergio Aguero is a doubt for this match because he picked up a knock against Fulham which is why there’s a possibility he could be out. Pep may not want to risk him picking up a more serious injury therefore Jesus is favoured to start up front. Finally, of course KDB and Bravo are still out. Manager Pep Guardiola will not be on the touchline with a 2 match suspension handed to UEFA.

Lyon: No serious injuries to report from the Lyon camp. All the key players are set to feature in this match. Depay Traore and Fekir are going to be Lyon’s main threats at going forward which is a very dangerous front 3. Expect Lyon to be on the backfoot but they will definitely have moments where they get out and create chances through counter attacks. Whether they can take their chances and defend well enough to get anything out of this game is a huge question mark. The team isn’t showing great form but on paper it’s a capable side.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Most people see this as a dominant City win but there’s definitely a few factors that makes us question whether it will be a comfortable. City obviously lose a massive threat with Mendy out and Aguero out too. Sure their squad on paper will be much better but we do think that Lyon are capable of holding their own in this match. If City had all of their guns we’d offer -2.5 but in this case we’re going to go with Lyon’s +2.0 handicap at 2.00. Oh and of course with Pep not on the touchline it may be a little different and have an effect on City. BTTS at 1.80 is another pick we’re going for. City will of course score but Lyon with Depay Traore and Fekir. Three top attacking players should definitely have a goal here. City have allowed teams like Huddersfield and Newcastle score at the Etihad so why not Lyon? We’re going to go with a 2-1 Man City win.

Match Odds (TonyBet)

Manchester City Win – 1.19

Draw – 8.25

Lyon Win – 15.25

KICK OFF – 19th September 2018 – 8pm UK Time