Schalke 04 vs Manchester City - Champions League Round of 16

Published on: 20/02/2019

Schalke 04 vs Manchester City - Champions League Round of 16

February 20, 2019 20:00pm - VELTINS-Arena

Champions League - Round of 16 - First Leg

After a three-year absence from the competition, Schalke 04 defied predictions to reach the knockout phase of the Champions League. They now face a Manchester City side still competing on all four fronts.

The last time the German side reached the Last 16 of the Champions League, they came out on the wrong end of a thrilling 5-4 aggregate scoreline against Real Madrid. Since that game in 2015, they have had to make do with two seasons of Europa League football, their best effort being a run to the semi-finals in 2016/17.

They defied the odds to finish second in last season`s Bundesliga campaign to secure their place in Europe`s elite competition. It has been a different story this year, however, with Domenico Tedesco`s men currently languishing in 14th place in the table.

Die Knappen lost just once on their way to a second place finish in the Group Stage and were unbeaten at home drawing 1-1 with Porto before defeating Galatasaray 2-0 and Lokomotiv Moscow 1-0. Their last European home game against English opposition ended in a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Manchester City will continue their quest for a full house of silverware when they take to the field on Wednesday night. Pep Guardiola`s men will contest a League Cup final on Sunday and remain in contention for the Premier League and FA Cup as well as this competition.

They arrive in good shape having beaten Chelsea 6-0 in their last Premier League match. They followed that with a 4-1 away to Newport in the FA Cup.

In Europe, they have remained unbeaten since losing to Lyon in their opening Champions League group match back in September. Away from home, they have lost two of their last eight in the competition including a 3-0 defeat their two-legged meeting with Liverpool that resulted in their exit last term.

Recent form (all competitions)

Schalke 04: DLWLD

Manchester City: WWWWL

Betting odds and tips

Schalke 04 have done well to get this far, but their recent form has been poor and they have yet to face an elite quality team in this competition. Meanwhile, Manchester City have enjoyed a resurgence in form in recent weeks, beating the likes of Arsenal, Everton, Chelsea and Newport County scoring 15 goals and conceding just two.

There is not much value to be had in backing City outright so look at the -1 Handicap market instead.

You can back Man City -1 at 5/6.

By Neil Morris