Champions League: Wednesday’s 1st of the 2nd phase all about Manchester

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Leroy Sane of Manchester City celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's sixth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Leroy Sane of Manchester City celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's sixth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The Manchester Clubs takes to the European stage once again. This time they the last of the four English teams to play their first game of the second round of Champions League clashes.

If they play anything like their English counterparts last night, they in for a crappy night. However, in saying this, out the two clubs United has the biggest duty in trying to take out Juventus at the Allianz stadium. The other Manchester Club, City, have a fair battle in Shakhtar Donetsk.

The reverse fixtures of these two went exactly the way it should have and as it was predicted. City poised to win even though they were on their travels and had a bumpy start to life in the Champions League. United was destined to lose with things not looking cohesive on the pitch – at any stage this season.

Group F standings

Manchester City – 6 points
Lyon – 5 point
Hoffenheim – 2 points
Shakhtar Donetsk – 2

Will we see more of the same and will previous results repeat itself? Or are we in for another English mess about? Even though it will be like putting your foot in your mouth to be assured, assuring, and confident in making a prediction or statement – Wednesday will see no shock results or upsets in the Champions League.

Group H standings

Juventus – 9 points
Manchester United – 4 points
Valencia – 2 points
Young Boys – 1 point 

More from Premier League

Man United sit in position better than Spurs that’s for sure. Second in standings but like other UCL groups, they not safe from elimination from the tournament. Group H has three points separating first and second, two points separating second, and third and three points separating second from third.

Sounds like we’ve been here before? Yes, most of the Champions League groups have been this tight with nobody really confident of a straight qualification. Tonight’s match is not in favour of Mourinho and his men. But if they were to make a statement this season, it would be now.

Their neighbours sit at the summit of Group F. They have a bit of a steady ride into this second phase. Both, them and second place Lyon are well worth the look at a knockout slot. One things for sure… Pep’s men are in top form, reaching the same heights as their previous season. Nothing gives the impression Kevin de Bruyne’s been missing for so many fixtures.

Score prediction
Manchester City 3-0 Shakhtar Donetsk 
Juventus 2-1 Manchester United 

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations