Match Preview
Following a shock defeat to Lyon in the opening group stage game, Manchester City will aim to get back to winning ways when they are hosted by Hoffenheim on Tuesday. The Citizens were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline after their French opponent's visited the Etihad.
With Pep Guardiola's side being tipped as favorites to top Group F which has Shakhtar Donetsk completing the quartet, an immediate change in fortune is expected. Manchester City enters the upcoming clash with Hoffenheim on the back of a three-game winning run.
The latest victory for the Citizens came via a 2-0 scoreline against Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League. The feat subsequently sealed the top spot for the Etihad outfit following the draw between Liverpool and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge over the weekend.
Having amassed four clean sheets in the last five matches, Guardiola's side will not be easily broken down by a Hoffeinheim team that has a single win in its last five outing. The Germans have also proved to be vulnerable at the back as they have conceded at least a goal in nine of their last 10 matches across all competitions.
While the magnitude of the beckoning task is one which will require all hands on deck, Hoffenheim will, unfortunately, be without skipper Kevin Vogt. The central midfielder suffered a thigh injury and will be sidelined defensive pair defenders Ermin Bicakcic and Havard Nordtveit.
For Manchester City, Sergio Aguero, who limped off after netting a goal in the win over Brighton will be available for selection. However, midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, Claudio Bravo, and Eliaquim Mangala will all not be involved as they recuperate respective injuries.
Left-back Benjamin Mendy remains a doubt although German winger Leroy Sane is expected to be named in the starting lineup for only the fourth time this season.
The upcoming encounter between Hoffenheim and Manchester City will be the first-ever in the history of any competition.
Key Facts
-
Manchester City is undefeated in their last five Champions League games against German opposition (W4, D1) since a 1-0 defeat by Bayern Munich in September 2014.
-
Hoffenheim has won just one of its previous nine matches in European competition (D3 L5).
-
Guardiola never lost against Hoffenheim during his time at Bayern Munich (W5 D1).
Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
