As top seeds of this Champions League (CL) group, all the pressure is on a Manchester City side that is expected to thrash an opponent making their second appearance in three seasons in Europe’s premier club competition.
Over the past two seasons, City have returned a near-impeccable record of 16 points from a possible 18 across six home CL group matches, and are on a run of ten successive European home matches where they have scored at least one goal.
Lyon are massive outsiders, but their recent away record against group stage teams with a higher coefficient is not exactly terrible. Back in the 2016/17 CL, both matches in that category saw Lyon concede only once (D1, L1). Lyon’s last away defeat to a side with a higher coefficient came way back in October 2015.
This will be the first competitive encounter between the two sides. In the CL alone, City have won both home matches they’ve had against French opposition. Lyon, meanwhile, have lost to City’s neighbours Manchester United by a solitary goal on two previous trips they’ve made to Manchester.
Players to watch: England international Raheem Sterling found the net for City in all three home CL group games last season. Two of those three goals arrived after the 85th minute.
Lyon’s Memphis Depay has two assists and a goal in his last five games, and will relish the opportunity to take on the arch nemesis of his former club.
LIVE STREAMING MANCHESTER CITY VS LYON 20.9.2018
Stat attack: Across all competitions, City have scored first in five of their last six games.
Including pre-season International Champions Cup matches, six of Lyon’s last seven matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
City have scored 2+ goals at home in four out of their last six home group games.
Will not play
Bravo C.
(Achilles Tendon Injury)
Gouiri A.
(Knee Injury)
Danilo
(Ankle Injury)
De Bruyne K.
(Knee Injury)
Mangala E.
(Knee Injury)
Sandler P.
(Knee Injury)
Probably will not play
Mendy B.
(Knee Injury)
Marcal F.
(Calf Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Orsato D. (Ita)
Venue: Etihad Stadium (Manchester)