FC Copenhagen vs Man City

Danish champions FC Copenhagen kick off the Champions League knockout stages with a daunting visit from the competition’s holders Manchester City on Tuesday night.

Copenhagen have not played a competitive fixture since defeating Galatasaray in their final Champions League group game two months ago. The Danish top flight does not resume until next weekend but Copenhagen have tried to limit the rust with a series of friendlies in the new year.

City, by comparison, have been crowned world champions and clicked into ominous form since the club’s last European fixture. Pep Guardiola’s side bounce into the Danish capital on the back of a ten-match winning streak.

Here’s everything you need to know about this round of 16 tie.

Denmark’s prolonged winter break may have robbed Jacob Neestrup of the match practice to build up a head of steam before City’s visit, but it has provided plenty of time for players to return from injury.

Centre-back Nicolai Boilesen has suffered from various fitness issues throughout the campaign but has been reintegrated into training during the off-season. Fellow defender Birger Meling is also on his way back from a muscle tear but teenage goalkeeper Theo Sander is still nursing a knee problem.

Long-term absentee Davit Khocholava will remain sidelined with a serious knee injury.

Lukas Lerager had not missed a minute of Champions League football for Copenhagen this season, scoring three goals from midfield, until he earned a second yellow card in the 90th minute of that December victory over Galatasaray. Lerager will be suspended for Tuesday’s contest but can be selected for the second leg.

Copenhagen predicted lineup (4-3-3): Grabara; Ankersen, Vavro, Diks, Jelert; Hojlund, Falk, Goncalves; Elyounoussi, Claesson, Achouri.

Not only are City enjoying a blistering run of form but Guardiola has a fully fit squad at his disposal.

Kevin De Bruyne started on the bench for Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Everton perhaps with an eye on the upcoming knockout tie. The Belgian has not appeared in the Champions League since limping off in last season’s final with an injury which has limited his involvement this term.

One figure that can be all but guaranteed a starting berth is Erling Haaland. City’s top scorer found the net for the first time since November against Everton and bagged two goals in his only previous encounter with Copenhagen.

Man City predicted lineup (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; De Bruyne, Rodri, Alvarez; Bernardo, Haaland, Foden.

A casual glance at this fixture suggests that City are already assured of their spot in the quarter-finals. Yet, that would be far too simplistic.

Copenhagen are not welcoming hosts. Manchester United and Galatasaray have both suffered defeat at the Parken Stadium this season while Bayern Munich trailed for longer than they led in a 2-1 victory. City are also cautious travellers.

Guardiola’s side reached last season’s Champions League final despite recording five consecutive away draws in the competition, a run which began with a goalless stalemate against Copenhagen in October 2022.

City were reduced to ten players after half an hour on their previous trip to the Danish capital and return to Copenhagen as favourites. However, they may not have it all their own way this midweek.