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Peter Green - September 16, 2019
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Manchester City
Champions League
Date: Wednesday, 18 September 2019
Kick-off at 20:00 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: OSC Metalist (Kharkiv).
Pep Guardiola’s men got a massive reality check this last day in the Premier League. And, Norwich, a completely unexpected side delivered this upset. On the road, they were taking on the newly-promoted Norwich, and a routine win with plenty of goals was the basic expectation.
But shocking even pundits, the hosts had run to a 2-0 lead, and though the Citizens managed to cut down on it via a Sergio Aguero goal, new PL sensation Teemu Pukki restored the lead.
The game ended 3-2 in favor of the hosts, presenting Liverpool with a five-point surplus at the top of the table.
The loss could be accounted to Pep being cocky, as some of his best players were not in the starting eleven. As has always been the case, we can count on the Spaniard to rectify his mistakes soon, and this should scare Shakhtar.
They might be three-time defending champions of their domestic league but are clearly punching above their weight class. Moreover, so far, the Champions League has been the only tournament where the Manchester Blues have not been able to exert their domination, and this should be more reason for the home team to tread carefully.
At this point, there’s really no much need for an argument as to City’s superiority over any other opponent they are pitted against. Right now, they are backed into a corner due to their recent loss against Norwich, coupled with Liverpool’s 100% win-record, and this rightfully calls for a monster of a performance from the EPL champions.
The Ukrainian league is miles behind that of their English counterparts, and this alone makes Manchester huge favorites for the tie. In addition, Pep and his boys boast of a 9-0 combined scorecard against this team in their last two meetings, and with the English outfit prioritizing European triumph this season, a huge win is on the cards for the guests.
