RB Leipzig vs Manchester City - 3 key battles to watch out for | UEFA Champions League 2021-22
RB Leipzig and Manchester City square off at the Red Bull Arena tomorrow in their final group encounter of the 2021/22 Champions League season. Leipzig have already been eliminated from the last-16 race but are still hoping to secure passage into the Europa League.
The Sky Blues, meanwhile, have sealed top spot in Group A following their 2-1 victory over PSG last month. Ending the group stage on a high is now their aim.
The sides last met on the opening day of the Champions League group stage with City overcoming Leipzig in a 6-3 thriller at the Etihad. But what's in store in the reverse fixture?
Ahead of kick-off, let's look at the three key battles that could shape the outcome of their clash:
#3 Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City) vs Angelino (RB Leipzig)
Angelino has been devilishly good for Leipzig. He's the 'one who got away' for City with the club once having the Spaniard on their books.
With Leipzig, he's stood out for his attacking qualities, contributing 24 goals and assists since last season. But Angelino will also have to be wary of Riyad Mahrez's presence down the same flank.
The Algerian is a proficient creator who thrives in spaces. His penchant for cutting inside before shooting and exquisite crossing ability will need the utmost attention from Angelino.
#2 Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig) vs Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Christopher Nkunku has been a revelation this season. With 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions, the Frenchman is currently one of the hottest properties in European football.
The 24-year-old famously scored a sensational hat-trick against City on the opening day, albeit in a losing cause. But it showed how devastating he can be when given the room to thrive.
Christopher Nkunku is on fire this season 🔥
2️⃣1️⃣ Games
1️⃣4️⃣ Goals
9️⃣ Assists https://t.co/llzPl9QNM6
Fernandinho will have the Herculean task of subduing the in-form attacker. His ball-winning skills and ability to break up opposition attacks will be vital in keeping Nkunku at bay.
#1 Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) vs Nordi Mukiele (RB Leipzig)
Bernardo Silva's campaign is gaining steam. He struck twice at the weekend to match his best-ever league tally in a season with seven - and we're not even halfway through yet!
It's a testament to the Portuguese winger's rich vein of form, and he'll be eager to channel that into Europe and open his account for the season.
4 goals in 5 games for Bernardo Silva ♨️ https://t.co/7k6Q3E19lW
But the job of keeping him quiet will fall on the shoulders of Nordi Mukiele, another young player rising to prominence this season. He's a force offensively, but struggles against pacy and unpredictable wingers.
It'll be interesting to see how he copes with the might of Silva.