UEFA Champions League: Preview and predictions for tonight's matches
The second half of match-day four of the Champions League is here, and tonight we will know where all teams stand before the last two games of the group stages. Ronaldo will look forward to opening his 2018-19 UCL account against former club Manchester United while Real Madrid will be eager for a convincing victory against Plzeň. Here are the predictions.
City won 3-0 at Shakhtar's home, look dominant
Manchester City are among the strongest teams in Europe this term. They proved their dominance in their last encounter as they became the first English team to defeat Shakhtar at their home. Gundogan and Otamendi will be back from their injuries, while Claudio Bravo and Kevin De Bruyne remain absent. Shakhtar will not have Ivan Ordets, Maksym Malyshev and Fernando in their side.
Will United stage a miracle tonight?
Manchester United would be hosted by Juventus tonight after the Italian giants won at the Old Trafford. Blaise Matuidi and Douglas Costa will remain absent from tonight's proceedings, owing to injuries. It remains to be seen whether Mourinho again benches Lukaku for Marcus Rashford. Mandzukic might return for Juventus tonight, as can Ander Herrera for his first UCL match of the season.
Ramos and Co. have to really step up this time
Real Madrid will visit Plzeň after putting up an unimpressive performance at the Bernabeu against Valladolid (2-0). Real's concern will be their long list of injured defenders like Marcelo, Carvajal, and Varane. Lukáš and Jan Kopic are expected to be back into the squad for Plzeň. Real desperately need a win with a huge margin to restore the faith of Los Blancos loyalists.
Our predictions for these encounters
Manchester United will most likely put up a brave fight to salvage this match, but it seems unlikely that Juventus will not win at their home. Manchester City can completely run riot over Shakhtar at the Etihad and solidify their knockout-round progress. Real Madrid have witnessed a resurgence after winning two matches under Solari, and will surely try to capitalize on the run.
