Champions League Preview: Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk

Champions League Preview: Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
14:20, 25 Sep 2017

While even the most critical of journalists are lavishly praising Manchester City’s football in the last week or so, Pep Guardiola will be a little more cautious in his approach.

City’s games are coming thick and fast and Tuesday evening sees the first ever visit to the Etihad of Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. The two clubs have links with Fernandinho and former fan favourite Elano both having joined City from Shakhtar.

In match week one City took the plaudits in Group F for their demolition of a hapless Feyenoord side but arguably the more impressive result was Shakhtar’s surprise win over Napoli.

While people will rightly point out that Shakhtar are the top seed in the group, anybody who has watched Maurizzio Sarri’s Napoli recently will know such a victory was impressive.

The result, even at this stage of proceedings, could have put City in the driving seat in terms of qualification but Guardiola will know not to underestimate Shakhtar. Any side that can beat Napoli can easily cause City problems.

City are formidable going forward but there are still the odd causes for concern at the back. Before the sending off, Liverpool had got in behind City, and even Palace had a couple of chances before they too were bulldozered by City’s frontline. Guardiola will hope Shakhtar do not punish such lapses.

But this is a great opportunity for City to stamp their authority on the group. Shakhtar are clearly no mugs but City are in the form of their lives having scored 22 goals in two weeks – one after every 20 minutes of football.

As well as the long journey Shakhtar are also without their talisman and captain Darijo Srna. The legendary Croatian failed a FIFA anti-doping ban following the Napoli game a fortnight ago and despite protesting his innocence has confirmed he will not play until he clears his name. It would be a tragic end to a stunning career if he fails.

With Napoli likely to dish out a similar punishment to Feyenoord as City did it is vital for the blues to beat Shakhtar and keep control of the top of the group in order to avoid the big guns in the last 16.

In theory, City could go into the final group game – away at Shahktar – having already secured top spot. Given that is the week before the Manchester derby, City should need no more incentive than been able to rest key players before such a crucial game and not send them to the Ukraine. Guardiola will be well aware of that and will be impressing on his players the importance of a win at home on Tuesday evening.

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