RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City Champions League Picks, Predictions, Odds
2022-23 UEFA Champions League
Futures Odds
Matchups & Odds
Knockout: Round of 16 | Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Final
This pairing met in the Champions League Group Stage last season and played out two 90-minute periods that certainly didn't disappoint. It was two games for the neutral, you'd have to say, with 12 goals scored and three points locked in for each respective home side. The 2-1 in Germany followed a 6-3 marvel in Manchester.
Will bettors see similar results? The Round of 16 first-leg action concludes on Wednesday with two games, which includes this match between RB Leipzig and Manchester City from Germany.
RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City Picks & Score Predictions
So, maybe it's no surprise how the bookmakers are pricing this one. Unlike many of Manchester City's opponents both on the European stage and back in England, RB Leipzig at home won't roll over and take a beating. Far from it, in fact. The Germans are fully aware they have the components to hurt this decked-out City eleven and will be planning to capitalise on a period of uncertain form from Pep Guardiola's men.
As you'd expect, the Over 2.5 match total goals line is a tad short for your usual match-up at -1.8. Nonetheless, that's still value considering the type of match likely to befall our very eyes during the week. For those of you seeking a more significant price to get your teeth stuck into, throwing caution to the wind and backing over 1.5 RB Leipzig goals at +200 isn't the most outrageous bet of all time.
In terms of a score prediction, reducing your stake and flirting with the higher lines could be an attractive proposition here. The +1200 for 2-2, representing a full-throttle end-to-end outing in Germany, may not be too far off.
Score Predictions:
Manchester City 2 RB Leipzig 1 (+750)
Manchester City 2 RB Leipzig 2 (+1200)
RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City Best Bets
Staying with goals and lumping two market favorites together, the Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals punt offers up an inviting +110 pick. Not only did it land in each of the recent head-to-heads, but it also paid out in each of the Germans' home fixtures in the group stages.
Manchester City will likely find the net with their arsenal of attacking options bursting out the seams. Nevertheless, with a team consisting of Andre Silva through the middle, Timo Werner on the left, and Dominik Szoboszlai on the opposite flank, RB Leipzig will carve out their own opportunities.
Game Best Bets:
Both Teams to Score - Yes (-150)
Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 (+110)
RB Leipzig Over 1.5 Goals (+225)
Over 2.5 Goals (-138)
Over 3.5 Goals (+175)
RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City Odds
As with almost every fixture they enter, no matter home or away, Manchester City rock up in Germany on Wednesday as -134 favourites. For me, that's too short to side with them in a European away first leg where a draw is a very handy result to take back to England.
The hosts' +350 is large enough to consider. However, backing against Manchester City avoiding defeat is a daunting prospect for those of us who employ a more pragmatic style of betting aimed at bankroll preservation. So when you have Erling Haaland prancing around up top just in front of Kevin de Bruyne, that's one I'm going to swerve. The draw at +290 is interesting enough, given the dynamics of a two-leg tie, presenting as an option that'll appeal to most.
RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City
RB Leipzig +350
Manchester City -134
Draw +280
Over 2.5 (-138)
Under 2.5 (+110)
Odds to win Champions League
Manchester City +187
RB Leipzig +700
Odds to Advance to Quarterfinals
Manchester City -600
RB Leipzig +400
Odds Subject to Change - per bet365
RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City Betting Stats
RB Leipzig (Germany)
Group Results: 4-0-2, GF 13 GA 9
Great comeback story by the Bundesliga club in the Champions League group stage. After dropping 4-1 and 2-0 losses to Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid respectively, Leipzig rallied to win its final four games and the offense posted 12 goals in the victories.
Manchester City (England)
Group Results: 4-2-0, GF 14 GA 2
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City picked up nine points in its first three group matches and the most impressive win was a 2-1 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund in the opener. The club scored two goals in the final 10 minutes, including the game-winner by superstar Erling Haaland.
RB Leipzig Betting Outlook & Players to Watch
Comments made by RB Leipzig central defender Josko Gvardiol a day before their crunch match in the Champions League arrived with questionable timing. The Croatian rock at the back spoke of how Chelsea's January offer was dismissed and how he wishes to play in the Premier League one day. Well, now he's in the spotlight, with his current employer yearning for another no-nonsense, composed showings at the heart of Leipzig's defence. He’s done exactly that in recent months, with his side only losing once in their last twenty matches in all competitions - impressive.
Gvardiol and his central defensive partner and captain, Willi Orban, will be crucial in overseeing a score line that RB Leipzig will be comfortable in taking back to England. Furthermore, at the other end of the pitch, Andre Silva or Christopher Nkunku, whoever starts centrally for RB Leipzig, will need to take whatever chances fall their way to ensure a share of the spoils. If there's one area opposing sides can exploit right now, it's a City defense that appears more susceptible than ever this season.
The +275 one can pocket on Silva to capitalize on one of his chances is something to look at. His three goals in five Champions League starts overshadows the four scored in league competition out of the water this term, suggesting he may favor the bright lights of Europe. If Cristopher Nkunku is the man to get the nod after a spell on the sidelines, quotes of the same price is one to take.
Player Prop Best Bet:
Andre Silva - Anytime Goal Scorer (+275)
Cristopher Nkunku - Anytime Goal Scorer (+275)
Manchester City Betting Outlook & Players to Watch
Chris Wood's equalizer for Nottingham Forest in the final stages at the weekend denied the Citizens all three points in the Premier League. Yet, Europe's most glamorous competition is the one that City, Pep, and its supporters really want. Keeping pace with Arsenal will be shelved momentarily, as 100% focus locks onto their midweek opponents.
It's difficult to start anywhere but Erling Haaland. The big, burly Norwegian has plundered 26 goals in 23 appearances in England, surpassing last season's golden boot winners in February. What he's mustering in a City shirt is nothing short of spectacular, with the bookmakers pricing accordingly. At -120 to find the net, attention may shift to Riyad Mahrez, who, in a City shirt, is currently performing at the top of his game.
Guardiola opted to overlook Mahrez for selection at the weekend. Could that mean he's in line to start with fresh legs to terrorise RB Leipzig at the back? Potentially - at +2.75, it's definitely one to ponder.
Player Prop Best Bet:
Erling Haaland - Anytime Goal Scorer (-120)
Riyad Mahrez - Anytime Goal Scorer (+275)
RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City Betting Resources
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023
Matchup: Round of 16
Stadium: Red Bull Arena
Location: Leipzig, Germany
TV-Time: Paramount +, 3:00 p.m. ET
Be sure to follow San Ingram on Twitter at @SamIngram_
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