Manchester City will be looking for a strong start to their Champions League campaign, while Red Star Belgrade will be hoping to shake off their Saturday loss in the Serbian SuperLiga in this opening game from Group G.
Key Takeaways
- This is the first ever meeting between these two sides
- Manchester City's versatile Argentinian centre-forward Julian Alvarez has scored 2 goals and registered 3 assists in his last five starts for Manchester City
- Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has scored 8 goals in his last six games for club and country
Last years winners of the competition Manchester City are in great form despite a growing injury list and have a flawless record in the English Premier League. Last seasons Serbian SuperLiga champions Red Star Belgrade are currently going through an inconsistent phase and will be looking to swiftly bounce back following a tight 1-2 defeat in their last domestic outing.
Manchester City Form
Manchester City are currently in excellent form having scored 14 goals in their last five games, winning all of their domestic games, and winning the UEFA Super Cup on penalties against Sevilla. Manchester City currently sit unbeaten atop the English Premier League.
Red Star Belgrade Form
After a strong start to their domestic campaign with four straight victories and a loss, Red Star Belgrade slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat to Cukaricki. Red Star Belgrade are currently 3rd in the Serbian SuperLiga.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have never met competitively before.
Team News
Manchester City will be without Zack Steffen, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish.
Red Star Belgrade have no current injury concerns ahead of this tie.
Neither team has suspensions to worry about in this game.
Key Players
Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Rodri and Phil Foden are all in fine form for Manchester City at the moment, while summer transfer window arrival Jeremy Doku could make his Champions League debut for the club after scoring against and looking very lively in Manchester City's last game against West Ham United.
Veteran Israeli goalkeeper Barak Bakhar will surely be vital to Red Star Belgrade given Manchester City's formidable firepower. While South Korean defensive midfielder In-Beom Hwang will also have his hands full in the centre of the park.
Final Thoughts
The Champions of Europe Manchester City must surely be seen as the favourites in this tie, with their expensively assembled squad firing on all cylinders at the moment.