German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim make their home debut in the Champions League (CL) group stage as they face English Premier League champions Manchester City, a team that have lost their last four CL games in a row.
Hoffenheim, making their bow in Europe’s elite competition, opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw away at Shakhtar Donetsk. They are yet to hit the ground running in the Bundesliga though, losing three of their opening six matches so far (W2, D1, L3).
However one thing that has defined Hoffenheim this season is goals. All eight of their games (in all competitions) have seen both teams score, with seven producing over 2.5 goals.
After their shock 2-1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais in their CL opener, Manchester City responded in typical fashion, winning each of their last three domestic games to nil and scoring ten goals in the process.
City, one of the favourites to win the CL, will be desperate to make it to the knock-out stage for the sixth-consecutive season and improve on their quarter-final exit to Liverpool last time round.
This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides, although City have played German opponents in Europe 13 times before (W5, D2, L6).
Players to watch: Andrej Kramarić has been directly involved in four goals (two goals, two assists) in six games for Hoffenheim (in all competitions).
Argentine striker, Sergio Agüero has five league goals for City this season. He has scored 29 times in the CL for his club.
Live streaming Hoffenheim vs Manchester city champions league 2.10.2018
Stat attack: There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Hoffenheim’s three previous CL games (including qualifying).
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in each of City’s last six CL games.
Man City have conceded at least twice in each of their last four matches in this competition.
Will not play
Amiri N.
(Toe Injury)
Bravo C.
(Achilles Tendon Injury)
Geiger D.
(Muscle Injury)
De Bruyne K.
(Knee Injury)
Hubner B.
(Concussion)
Delph F.
(Knock)
Rupp L.
(Knee Injury)
Mangala E.
(Knee Injury)
Vogt K.
(Thigh Injury)
Sandler P.
(Knee Injury)
Questionable
Bicakcic E.
(Calf Injury)
Mendy B.
(Ankle Injury)
Kasim N.
(Ankle Injury)
Nordtveit H.
(Thigh Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Skomina D. (Slo)
Venue: Wirsol Rhein-Neckar Arena (Sinsheim)