Manchester City face Club Brugge in a huge Champions League showdown tonight, looking to avoid a shock elimination. Pep Guardiola's side only a win will be enough for a place in the playoff round after performing below their usual standards in the League Phase so far.
Three defeats in seven - including a 4-2 reverse against Paris Saint-Germain last week despite racing into a two-goal lead - has left the 2023 winners in a perilous position as anything other than three points at the Etihad Stadium will see them crash out of European competition altogether. They do, however, go into the game on the back of a 3-1 win over Chelsea and start the night as heavy favourites to beat Brugge.
Although, the visitors have their own qualification hopes to focus on and therefore have something to play for, thus making this fixture anything but a dead-rubber. Should they avoid defeat in Manchester and results elsewhere go in their favour, then they’ll be in the hat for Friday’s play-off round draw. Follow the Man City vs Club Brugge LIVE below with our dedicated match blog.
Man City vs Club Brugge latest news
Kick-off time and venue: 8pm GMT; Etihad Stadium
How to watch Man City vs Club Brugge
Man City team news: Stones set to start
Club Brugge team news: Vanaken doubtful
Standard Sport prediction: Comfortable home win
Man City team news
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Manchester City are facing a juggling act in defence amid concerns over John Stones' fitness.
Stones is a doubt for the game after returning from injury in the win over Chelsea on Sunday, potentially leaving Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji as the only fit centre-backs. Ruben Dias has already been ruled out.
Though, in an injury boost for City, Oscar Bobb is potentially in contention to make the matchday squad after returning from a broken leg suffered on the eve of the season.
How to watch: Man City vs Club Brugge
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm GMT.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Welcome
17:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester City vs Club Brugge.
It all comes down to the final matchday for Man City to book a place in the Champions League knockout phase.
After letting a 2-0 lead slip against Paris Saint-Germain last week, defeat at the Parc des Princes leaves City needing a win tonight to have any hope of reaching the play-off round.
Pep Guardiola's side will be expected to overcome the Belgian outfit, especially at home, but the visitors know a point should be enough to secure a place in Friday's play-off draw.
What a night potentially in store for us! Kick-off from the Etihad Stadium is at 8pm GMT.
Stay tuned for all the build-up.
