The reverse fixture in Ukraine a couple of weeks ago saw Manchester City outplay a decent Shakhtar Donetsk side to such an extent the Blues came away from Eastern Europe 3-0 winners. And with qualification out of Group F, a certainty with another win and Hoffenheim succumb to Lyon in tonight’s earlier kick-off a place in the last 16 will be guaranteed.
Sky Sports football pundit Charlie Nicholas thinks City will breeze past Shakhtar 3-0.
“Shakhtar Donetsk used to be a difficult tie a couple of years ago but they’ve lost their way a bit now, and it should be another comfortable night for Manchester City,” said Charlie.
“Pep Guardiola can afford to make one or two changes but that doesn’t seem to bother them too much, and this machine will continue to roll on.”
Team news
We already know KDB, Claudio Bravo and Eliaquim Mangala are unavailable but other than that Pep is spoilt for choice.
In good shape for Shakhtar! ⚽️ #cityvfcsd #mancity pic.twitter.com/wgBHt6mYVz
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 6, 2018
Possible lineups
Preview
Prediction – for what it’s worth
The players know the importance of this Champions League tie and so they won’t need anyone to gee them up hence, and on this occasion I am going to agree with the football pundit and predict a comfortable 3-0 home win.
What do you think?