1 Immediate response
“The best way to get over a defeat is by winning the next game.”
The words of John Stones, following Saturday’s setback at Chelsea – and he’s right.
There’s no use dwelling on disappointment. All the Blues can do is learn lessons and take frustrations out on the next opponent.
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The last time we tasted defeat (notably in the Champions League at home to Lyon), we responded by embarking on a 16-game unbeaten run, which included a pair of thumping European victories of Shakhtar Donetsk.
A similar reaction would be nice!
2 Top draw(er)
City have of course already secured progression to the knock-out stages, courtesy of a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Lyon last time out – but in the knowledge a loss could surrender top spot (and a potentially more favourable last 16 draw), the pressure is still on.
The Blues hold a three-point lead over the French outfit and so will clinch first place in Group F if we avoid defeat or Lyon fail to win at Shakhtar.
Interestingly, the Ukrainian side must also win to progress – so that will be an intriguing clash.
3 Hoffenheim hopes?
Despite currently sitting bottom of the group, all is not lost for Hoffenheim, who could secure qualification to the Europa League with a victory, should Shakhtar also lose.
The German outfit have three points from their maiden group stage campaign – all gained via draws – and trail the Ukrainians by two points.
Die Kraichgauer head into Wednesday’s game in poor form, having failed to win in four; drawing their last three league games.
They have also never emerged victorious away from home on European soil with three draws and three defeats, but as they have to win – and bearing in mind the difficulty of City’s trip to the Rhein-Neckar-Arena – we shall have to be wary.
Particularly when you take into account that City have only won four of our last ten European encounters, losing five.
4 Rotation reckoned?
In the midst of a packed schedule, Pep Guardiola has often asserted he will utilise the squad at his disposal so we could expect significant changes to the usual starting XI.
The likes of Vincent Kompany, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez could return to the starting line-up, while there may also be celebratory minutes for Phil Foden – fresh from penning his new deal.
It’s worth noting also that Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho would miss the opening knock-out clash, if they were to pick up a booking against the German outfit.
