Automatic qualification for the Champions League last-16 is on the line for Man City when host Galatasaray on the final matchday on Wednesday, January 28.
Last week’s shock defeat to Bodo/ Glimt kicked City out of the top eight, as they now sit in 11th place, but only by virtue of an inferior goal difference to a cluster of five other teams, who are also on 13 points.
Galatasaray are six places further down on 10 points, which means their hopes for automatic qualification to the final 16 are all but over, but they still run the risk of missing out on the knockout phase of the competition altogether.
Explore our Man City vs Galatasaray betting tips below.
Contents
Man City vs Galatasaray prediction: Last 16 beckons for City
Key stats
- Man City have never lost consecutive UCL group or league phase games at home.
- Galatasaray are winless across their last three games in this competition.
- The hosts scored at least twice in six of their last seven home Champions League matches.
- Five of Gala's last six European games away from home produced more than two goals.
Correct score prediction: Man City 3-1 Galatasaray
With six goals in three home games, City are averaging two goals at the Etihad Stadium in this competition, while Galatasaray are averaging the same in terms of conceding goals away from home. On matchday one, Cimbom were hammered 5-1 when they were on the road to Eintracht Frankfurt. Wednesday night’s encounter should not be far off.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Slim hopes for the visitors
- HOME: 1/4 (1.25) – 80.0%
- DRAW: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
- AWAY: 9/1 (10.00) – 10.0%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As expected, the home team are overwhelming favourites to finish the night with all three points in the bag, as they have been given an 80% chance of winning the match. The visitors have a slim 10% chance of winning in Manchester, while a draw is more likely than an away win, with a percentage of 15.4%.
We have more free betting tips for today to help you out with the best possible selections.
Most recent H2Hs: Clean slate for both
This meeting will be the first between these two clubs, so there is a chance for either of them to grab the first-ever victory in the head-to-head. Arsenal were the last English club to beat Galatasaray in Europe, back in December 2014, but the Turkish side are unbeaten against opposition from the same country in their last three attempts.
Man City preview: Rodri suspended
After receiving his marching orders in their 2-0 defeat last week, Rodri will have to serve his suspension in this upcoming match and will not be available for selection. Guardiola must also deal without having seven of his first-team players, including the likes of Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb, and Josko Gvardiol.
Predicted lineup: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ake; O’Reilly; Cherki, Reijnders, Silva, Doku; Haaland
Last five matches
- Man City 2-0 Wolves
- Bodo/ Glimt 3-1 Man City
- Man Utd 2-0 Man City
- Newcastle 0-2 Man City
- Man City 10 – Exeter City
Galatasaray preview: Gundogan, Sane to face old club
The Turkish side should have a full squad available for this one, except for those players involved in a betting scandal. Ilkay Gundogan featured for Galatasaray over the weekend, and he registered two assists in the club’s 3-1 victory over Karagumruk. The former City man should relish facing his old employers, and may play a part in spoiling their quest for an automatic qualification spot.
Predicted lineup: Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Elmali; Gundogan, Torreira; Sane, Akgun, Yilmaz; Osimhen
Last five matches
- Karagumruk 1-3 Galatasaray
- Galatasaray 1-1 Atletico Madrid
- Galatasaray 1-1 Gaziantep
- Fethiyespor 1-2 Galatasaray
- Galatasaray 0-2 Fenerbahce
Player to watch – Victor Osimhen
Fresh off having a great impact for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, Victor Osimhen is back to business with his club.
The forward is the most dangerous threat in the attacking third, and is currently tied in third position as the top goalscorer in the Champions League alongside Erling Haaland and Anthony Gordon.
Osimhen scored over the weekend, giving him four goals in his last six matches for both club and country, meaning he will be one to watch to cause the hosts problems on Wednesday night.