Manchester City vs Dynamo Kyiv – UEFA Champions League – Preview

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Sreya

Manchester City hosts Dynamo Kyiv at the Etihad on 15th March, Tuesday for the return leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 fixture. Manchester City defeated the Ukrainian side in a comprehensive fashion in the first leg, with the final scoreline depicting 3-1 in favor of the home side.

Manchester City are likely to be the only English side to progress to the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier competition, with Chelsea already knocked out and Arsenal facing an uphill battle against Barcelona.

Team News

Kevin de Bruyne, Samir Nasri and Fabian Delph continue to remain sidelined with injuries, but Manuel Pellegrini is expected to field a full-strength lineup to avoid any upsets.

Mykola Morozyuk has been ruled out for the visitors but Vitorino Antunes returns from suspension and would feature as the leftback. Andriy Yarmolenko, Sergiy Sydorchuk and Oleksandr Rybka are doubtful as well.

Manchester City Possible Starting Lineup: Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas Otamendi, Vincent Kompany, Aleksandar Kolarov, Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero.

Dynamo Kyiv Possible Starting Lineup: Oleksandr Shovkovskiy, Danilo Silva, Yevhen Khacheridi, Aleksandar Dragovic, Vitorino Antunes, Serhiy Rybalka, Miguel Veloso, Andriy Yarmolenko, Denysh Garmash, Derlis Gonzalez, Moraes.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“I think we have improved in the competition because before I arrived here this group didn’t qualify for the last 16. The most important thing is to know that we are not already qualified. We play against a big team who know how to play this type of game, so that for me is the first target of the club. After that, we try to see who we have to play in the quarter-finals.”

– Manuel Pellegrini, Manchester City.

“We will try to rid ourselves of the nerves. I think we have a chance provided the players don’t feel nervous. If they are relaxed they will create chances. We will fight for a result, regardless of the result of the first leg. We have to be focused, we have to work hard and we have to be strong.”

– Serhiy Rebrov, Dynamo Kyiv.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Manchester City have won two and lost only one out of their last three matches against Dynamo Kyiv. Manchester City have won five of their last six matches UEFA Champions League matches, scoring at least two goals in those matches.

Although Dynamo Kyiv will arrive to the Etihad brimming with confidence courtesy their recent form, Manchester City are likely to win this fixture 2-0 and progress to the quarter-finals.