2023-24 UEFA Champions League: Group Stage – Red Star Belgrade vs Manchester City

Red Star Belgrade host Manchester City at Red Star Stadium in their final Group G encounter in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League.

Red Star Belgrade will finish bottom of the group irrespective of their result, whilst Man City have already advanced as Group G winners regardless of their result here.

Team News

Red Star Belgrade have no fresh injury or suspension concerns to report with a full squad available for selection.

Man City will be without Erling Haaland after he missed their comeback Premier League win at Luton with a foot injury.

Jeremy Doku (leg) and Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) remain absent.

When is Kick-Off?

Red Star Belgrade host Man City at Red Star Stadium in a 6:45pm CET (5:45pm UK Time) kick-off on Wednesday 13 December, live on TNT Sport 2 in the UK.

Stat Attack

• Red Star Belgrade lost their only previous meeting to Man City by a 3-1 away result in September 2023.
• Man City are visiting Red Star Belgrade for the first time in their history in all UEFA competitions.
• Inbeom Hwang has produced more shots off target than any other Red Star Belgrade player in the group stage, having put seven of his 12 shots away from goal.
• Man City won both away matches in the group by 3-1 results (W2).

Prediction

Having scored in four of their five group matches which included a surprise lead at Man City, Red Star Belgrade can’t be underestimated on the attack but their defending has been their downfall too often, which is something that they can’t afford to be sloppy in this game.

Man City though are already through as group winners so I do expect Pep Guardiola to rotate his team but given their recent inconsistency on the road, I can see him not making wholesale changes but they must show better accurate end product than they managed at Luton.

Should City do that then I can’t see them losing this game but their squad quality should be enough to see them through, especially if Red Star’s defence is as leaky as usual.

Prediction: Red Star Belgrade 1-2 Manchester City