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Champions League: Manchester City heading in one direction over Basel

By Ashley Anthony

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between FC Basel and Manchester City at St. Jakob-Park on February 13, 2018 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between FC Basel and Manchester City at St. Jakob-Park on February 13, 2018 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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The leaders of the Premier League take part in leg two of their decided fixture later tonight. Manchester City welcomes bent out of football, FC Basel to the Etihad.

A game being called a ‘non-event on the pitch’ inevitably takes place later tonight. Question weather Manchester City will win or not – is not the right one. One must rather ask, how long will it take before Basel concedes?

With the two legs heavily decided by four goals in the first leg already, there really isn’t much in this game for Basel except playing for pride – which is the best this Swiss team can manage.

Bigger teams than the Citizens of Basel have struggled to change results against the Citizens of Manchester.

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While on the other hand – smaller clubs than Man City have beaten Basel with ease. Man City has scored in each of their last 12 Champions League fixtures – you tell me what has this Swiss club got better than those teams who’s played in the last 12 fixtures of Man City?

Simply nothing! Liverpool’s opponents went in with a similar deficit less than 24 hours ago, and managed the best result they could play for, a draw for dignity. What happens later – could be just that, or possibly nothing less than a victory for the home side.

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Basel way below par to be taking on Manchester City

Since the two Citizens’ teams met – the one has struggled for results, the other silverware heavy already, and on an unbeaten run again. Chalk and cheese, Crocs vs. Adidas predator, type of comparison going on here.

Because of Basel’s last game being postponed, they’ve last taken the pitch a week ago. It will either work out great they’ve rested well for this fixture. Or, match preparation was way too little to concoct a plan for Man City.

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During those two encounters they played – the Swiss side lost one, home and away. Managing to get them knocked out the only domestic cup to rivals, Young Boys and finding the hangover from the City loss too much to get over, when they played in the league campaign.

Both games ended with the same result by two goals with no answer. Take this stat plus Manchester City’s relentless attack, and what that equal? Nothing in favour of the visiting team, FC Basel for sure.

Match time: 19:45 GMT; 21:45 CAT; 14:45 EST
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Predicted score: Manchester City 3-0 Basel

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