tackle within the remaining spherical of matches within the ’s preliminary league section, with with the intention to progress.
The 4-2 loss to PSG final week signifies that Metropolis start the day languishing outdoors of the play-off spots in Twenty fifth place. a membership that gained this competitors lower than two years in the past, and possesses such wealth of expertise, lacking out on the knockout rounds – although there’s hope. A win tonight would carry ’s aspect above their opponents and guide their spot within the two-legged play-off rround.
A win is not going to come straightforward, although, with Membership Brugge having lots play for. They sit twentieth forward of the beginning of the ultimate spherical of fixtures with a
Observe all the newest from the Etihad Stadium in our dwell weblog beneath:
Man Metropolis vs Membership Brugge LIVE
Manchester Metropolis host Membership Brugge in Champions League, with kick-off at 8pm | Reside on TNT Sports activities
77′ Savinho provides a 3rd to present Metropolis a cushion (MCI 3-1 BRU)
62′ GOAL! Ordonez nets an personal aim and should save Metropolis (MCI 2-1 BRU)
53′ GOAL! Kovacic’s nice run and shot equalises for Metropolis (MCI 1-1 BRU)
48′ CLOSE! Stones nods positive likelihood extensive of aim (MCI 0-1 BRU)
45′ GOAL! Onyedika strike places guests forward (MCI 0-1 BRU)
16′ DISALLOWED! Gundogan scores however there’s an offside within the construct up (MCI 0-0 BRU)
3′ CHANCE! A counter assault units up Talbi however Gvardiol blocks his shot (MCI 0-0 BRU)
Manchester Metropolis FC 3 – 1 Membership Brugge KV
Man Metropolis 3-1 Membership Brugge
21:45 , Mike Jones
90 minutes: There’s just one minute of added time to play.
Metropolis are going by means of.
Man Metropolis 3-1 Membership Brugge
21:41 , Mike Jones
84 minutes: Metropolis are in management now. They’ve obtained possession and so they’ve obtained a lead.
There’s no urgency for them now.
Man Metropolis 3-1 Membership Brugge
21:37 , Mike Jones
81 minutes: Kevin De Bruyne is taken off with 10 minutes to go.
On comes Rico Lewis to interchange the Metropolis captain. The top of this sport ought to be much less intense for the hosts with two targets separating them and their opponents.
GOAL! Man Metropolis 3-1 Membership Brugge (Savinho, 77′)
21:34 , Mike Jones
He’s been so influential!
Since approaching at half-time Savinho has introduced vitality and verve to Manchester Metropolis.
John Stones guides a beautiful ball excessive and into the left aspect of the field.
Savinho brings it down then fires a pointy shot beneath the goalkeeper to present Metropolis a cushion.
Man Metropolis 2-1 Membership Brugge
21:31 , Mike Jones
75 minutes: Oh wow!
Haaland’s strain sees him win the ball again excessive up the pitch.
He’s one-on-one with Mignolet and shoots however the goalkeeper retains the ball out.
It ricochets out to Savinho who shoots first time solely to have his effort cleared off the road byt Brandon Mechele!
Man Metropolis 2-1 Membership Brugge
21:26 , Mike Jones
72 minutes: The ball comes throughout the pitch and is introduced down by Talbi.
He skips to the fitting of John Stones and shoots forcing Ederson into a pointy save to his left.
Man Metropolis 2-1 Membership Brugge
21:25 , Mike Jones
69 minutes: As issues stand, Manchester Metropolis will make it into the play-off spherical of the competitors.
In the event that they concede one other aim with out reply then they’ll drop again into the elimination zone.
The final 20 minutes are going to be tense.
Man Metropolis 2-1 Membership Brugge
21:23 , Mike Jones
66 minutes: A settling interval within the match now. Metropolis are taking part in with much more management and fewer nervous tempo.
Savinho delivers a cross that Mignolet grabs out of the air.
‘A turnaround that might save Metropolis’s marketing campaign’
21:22 , Richard Jolly at Etihad Stadium
“A turnaround that might save Metropolis’s Champions League marketing campaign and one which was made in Croatia.
“Mateo Kovacic dragged Metropolis again into the sport with a positive equaliser earlier than Josko Gvardiol’s raid ahead arrange the personal aim that places them forward.
“But in between these targets, Brugge held a menace.”
GOAL! Man Metropolis 2-1 Membership Brugge (Joel Ordonez OG, 62′)
21:19 , Mike Jones
Metropolis lead!
Savinho nudges the ball to the sting of the field and slips in Josko Gvardiol.
The left-back appears for the sq. move and Erling Haaland however Joel Ordonez lunges to intercept.
He will get a foot to the ball however can’t management it and simply diverts the move into the again of the online.
‘Recreation on’
21:17 , Richard Jolly at Etihad Stadium
“Recreation on.
“Metropolis have found some urgency in assault however look weak on the again.
“Mateo Kovacic took accountability for dragging Metropolis again into the sport with a positive equaliser however for the reason that Brugge have had extra of a menace.
“The Anglocentric focus is on Pep Guardiola’s aspect – and maybe a lot of the European focus can be, too, in the event that they exit – however the proof to this point is that the Belgian champions deserve a ending berth someplace within the high 24.”
Metropolis 1-1 Membership Brugge
21:16 , Mike Jones
60 minutes: Oh my phrase!
Kevin De Bruyne skips to the left on the sting of the field and shoots forcing a pointy save out of Simon Mignolet.
Brugge clear their traces and beat the press. They’ve a three-on-three with Metropolis’s defenders backtracking.
Christos Tzolis decides to go alone and shoots however slips his effort extensive of the far publish.
Metropolis 1-1 Membership Brugge
21:13 , Mike Jones
56 minutes: Membership Brugge’s response is a good one. Twice in a few minutes they drive a save out of Ederson and the hosts are beneath strain once more.
It’s one other counter assault which places Metropolis in hassle and Brugge know precisely tips on how to punish them once they lose possession.
This match may be very a lot alive now.
GOAL! Man Metropolis 1-1 Membership Brugge (Mateo Kovacic, 53′)
21:10 , Mike Jones
That was coming too!
It’s sensible from Mateo Kovacic who collects the ball on the midway line and runs by means of the guts of Membership Brugge.
The defenders fall away from him as he takes the ball to the sting of the field earlier than rolling it into the underside left nook.
Man Metropolis 0-1 Membership Brugge
21:08 , Mike Jones
52 minutes: Mechele heads away a bouncing ball however is drops to Mateo Kovacic.
His shot is blocked however Metropolis recycle the ball and select Phil Foden.
Foden nips to the left and shoots however blazes the ball excessive.
Man Metropolis 0-1 Membership Brugge
21:07 , Mike Jones
51 minutes: Metropolis are already taking part in with extra tempo and depth.
They’re a handful once they start to click on correctly and a aim will carry perception with it.
Man Metropolis 0-1 Membership Brugge
21:04 , Mike Jones
48 minutes: Likelihood!
One other nook is performed brief this time and the ball comes again to De Bruyne.
De Bruyne lifts the ball into the field the place John Stones leaps up and nods the ball extensive!
Man Metropolis 0-1 Membership Brugge
21:03 , Mike Jones
46 minutes: Savinho’s first involvement is to win a nook for Metropolis.
De Bruyne places the ball into the field however the defenders head it away.
Metropolis has lower than 45 minutes to attain two targets and get by means of.
Can they do it?
Second half! Man Metropolis 0-1 Membership Brugge
21:01 , Mike Jones
Metropolis get the sport restarted on the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola has made a change at half-time with Ilkay Gundogan hooked off in favour of Savinho.
‘It is juts obtained worse for Metropolis’
20:59 , Richard Jolly at Etihad Stadium
“It is simply obtained worse for Metropolis.
“Unbeaten at dwelling in Europe since 2018, they discover themselves 1-0 right down to a membership who’ve by no means gained in England.
“However Brugge had posed a menace on the counter-attack and had gave the impression to be concentrating on the makeshift right-back Matheus Nunes.
“It paid off for a aim that might arrange one of many nice ends in Brugge’s historical past, although not Metropolis’s.”
HT Man Metropolis 0-1 Membership Brugge
20:55 , Mike Jones
HT Man Metropolis 0-1 Membership Brugge
20:51 , Mike Jones
A reminder that Membership Brugge are unbeaten in 20 video games.
Metropolis want to attain twice, with out conceding, to win this sport and sneak into twenty fourth place.
They’re at the moment twenty sixth and are heading out of the match on the first stage.
Half-time! Man Metropolis 0-1 Membership Brugge
20:47 , Mike Jones
Metropolis path on the break. They now want to attain two targets, at the least, to get themselves into the knockout rounds.
Pep Guardiola has an enormous workforce discuss developing.
GOAL! Man Metropolis 0-1 Membership Brugge (Raphael Onyedika, 45′)
20:46 , Mike Jones
It’s been coming!
Membership Brugge have been sensible on the counter assault and Metropolis have been poor defensively.
Ferran Jutgla dances round Matheus Nunes then brings the ball as much as the field.
He squares it throughout the penalty space and Raphael Onyedika arrives in time for a primary contact shot.
He drills it and beats Ederson! Membership Brugge are in entrance.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:44 , Mike Jones
44 minutes: Objectives are flying in all around the Champions League tonight as golf equipment do their greatest to get into the knockout rounds.
Nothing of the type on the Etihad Stadium although.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:41 , Mike Jones
41 minutes: Hi there!
Everytime Brugge come ahead a nervous vitality settles on the Man Metropolis followers.
Ardon Jashari decides to have a go from vary. He drills a low effort by means of the defence and Ederson is compelled to drop to his proper to smother the ball.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:37 , Mike Jones
38 minutes: Shut!
Brugge have been affected person however they’re additionally assured. They’re comfortable to mess around Metropolis’s midfield and drive up the pitch once they can begin a break.
Maxim De Cuyper brings the ball down the left wing and squares it throughout to Christos Tzolis.
He nudges the ball into the field then unleashes a proper footed effort.
The strike is sweet however Manuel Akanji will get his head in the way in which and blocks the possibility.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:35 , Mike Jones
35 minutes: A bit extra tempo from Metropolis sees Gvardiol hyperlink up with Foden on the left.
Foden flies into the field and appears to select Haaland however his move is intercepted and cleared away.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:32 , Mike Jones
32 minutes: It’s been a irritating 32 minutes for the Manchester Metropolis followers.
Metropolis are used to taking part in in opposition to a low block however they’re low on confidence and there’s quite a bit using on this sport.
Brugge are doing what they should.
‘Metropolis are going within the flawed course’
20:31 , Richard Jolly at Etihad Stadium
“Manchester Metropolis are going within the flawed course. They kicked off in Twenty fifth place, concentrating on the highest 24. They’re now twenty sixth, courtesy of the aim that gave Dinamo Zagreb a shock lead in opposition to AC Milan.
“Metropolis are discovering a breakthrough laborious to search out themselves. Ilkay Gundogan had the ball within the web however whereas offside.
“He has performed additional ahead tonight than he has performed for a lot of the season however Brugge have defended in numbers and nicely to this point.”
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:30 , Mike Jones
29 minutes: Matheus Nunes performs a one-two with Kevin De Bruyne and darts into the field.
Christos Tzolis sprints again and places himself in between Nunes and the ball.
He shields it and wins a free kick.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:26 , Mike Jones
26 minutes: Over midway by means of this primary half and Membership Brugge have strung collectively simply 39 passes.
That reveals the extent to which Metropolis are controlling the ball.
Kevin De Bruyne takes a shot from the within left channel however fires it nicely excessive.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:24 , Mike Jones
23 minutes: Bernardo Silva sweeps into the field from the fitting and is fed the ball.
He decides to shoot first time and curls an effort at aim.
It hits Erling Haaland and deflects out of play.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:21 , Mike Jones
20 minutes: A cross comes into the field from Metropolis and Erling Haaland peels off his marker on the again publish.
He’s obtained a free header however decides to nod in into the center of the field as an alternative of going for aim.
Membership Brugge clear their traces.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:18 , Mike Jones
Disallowed!
16 minutes: Man Metropolis get the ball into the again of the online first.
Matheus Nunes darts down the fitting aspect and will get as much as the field because the ball is performed into him.
He slips the ball throughout to Ilkay Gundogan who curls it into the underside nook however the celebrations are minimize brief.
There’s an offside within the construct up.
‘John Stones is a novel participant’
20:17 , Richard Jolly at Etihad Stadium
“An early illustration of why John Stones is a novel participant.
“He has strolled into midfield, trying effortlessly comfortable as he has reprised the hybrid position that was such a key issue when Metropolis gained the Champions League two years in the past.
“Nonetheless, whereas they’ve dominated possession to this point, with 78 % of the ball within the first 14 minutes, Brugge have had few alarms.
“They’ve a wonderful defensive report on this competitors – not like Metropolis.”
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:14 , Mike Jones
15 minutes: Shot!
Phil Foden finds a contact of area on the left aspect of the field once more.
This time he rolls the ball onto his favoured left foot and strikes an effort at aim.
He hits it sweetly however the effort sails extensive.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:13 , Mike Jones
12 minutes: Gvardiol comes ahead on the left and cuts inside.
Metropolis ship the ball again out to Phil Foden who collects it within the field then spins away and misplaces a backwards move.
Manuel Akanji jogs again to gather the ball.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:10 , Mike Jones
9 minutes: A cross is available in from the fitting from Kevin De Bruyne however Brandon Mechele leaps and nods it away.
Metropolis want to maneuver the ball quite a bit faster however they’ll be grateful for settling the sport somewhat after some early counter-attacks.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:06 , Mike Jones
6 minutes: Metropolis have been practising crosses within the warm-up tonight and have despatched the ball over to the fitting wing a number of occasions already.
Brugge recuperate the ball and change the play out to Talbi on the fitting.
He’s fast and drives at Gvardiol who holds him up. Talbi swings in a cross however Ederson plucks the ball out of the air.
Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:03 , Mike Jones
3 minutes: Man Metropolis will wish to management the ball and put strain on Brugge who will drop right into a low block when out of possession.
Likelihood!
Brugge sweep ahead on the counter assault with Christos Tzolis bombing down the left. He pulls the ball into the field and finds Chemsdine Talbi who shoots and has his effort blocked by Josko Gvardiol.
Kick off! Man Metropolis 0-0 Membership Brugge
20:00 , Mike Jones
Membership Brugge kick off the match and ship the ball again to Brandon Mechele.
He works it over to the left wing the place the ball goes out of play and Metropolis win a throw in.
Man Metropolis vs Membership Brugge
19:57 , Mike Jones
Right here come the groups.
Manchester Metropolis will qualify with a win however with out one they’re out of the match.
It’s an enormous evening with a complete host of different fixtures kicking off on the identical time.
Let’s see if Metropolis can get by means of…
Membership Brugge’s away type
19:50 , Mike Jones
Membership Brugge have misplaced solely six of their final 18 away matches within the Champions League and have gained seven of their final 12 away European video games.
European Cup runners-up to Liverpool in 1978, Membership Brugge spent 2023/24 within the Europa Convention League, ultimately reaching the final 4 earlier than dropping to Fiorentina.
Metropolis’s dwelling European report
19:45 , Mike Jones
Man Metropolis are unbeaten in 34 dwelling European matches with 29 wins and 5 attracts.
That’s a run going again to a 1-2 loss to Lyon on the primary matchday of the 2018/19 season.
Metropolis have gained 23 of the final 27.
Hearth rages outdoors Man Metropolis stadium forward of essential Champions League conflict
19:40 , Mike Jones
An space outdoors the was evacuated after a merchandise stand caught hearth forward of ’s sport in opposition to .
The blaze broke out shortly earlier than 6pm, near the place ’s Metropolis workforce had at round 6.30pm.
Supporters had gathered within the space for a pre-match leisure present which included on-stage interviews with January signings Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.
League section woes
19:40 , Mike Jones
Having claimed the membership’s first Champions League title in 2022/23, Pep Guardiola’s aspect gained all six group video games for the primary time final season.
That was the seventh successive marketing campaign during which Metropolis had come first of their group.
The newly revamped league section hasn’t gone nicely in any respect for Metropolis. They’re getting ready to an early exit and should win tonight with the intention to get by means of.
Metropolis’s Champions League success
19:35 , Mike Jones
That is Manchester Metropolis’s 14th successive season within the Champions League.
They’ve featured in each marketing campaign since 2011/12 and have reached the knockout phases in every of the final 11.
Metropolis versus Belgian groups
19:30 , Mike Jones
Man Metropolis’s 2021 wins in opposition to Membership Brugge made it 4 successive victories in opposition to Belgian opponents.
A 2-0 loss at Commonplace Liège within the 1978/79 Uefa Cup was the one certainly one of Metropolis’s eight video games in opposition to groups from Belgium that didn’t finish in victory.
‘As anticipated Stones and De Bruyne begin’
19:26 , Richard Jolly at Etihad Stadium
“As anticipated, John Stones and Kevin de Bruyne return to the Manchester Metropolis workforce tonight for the ineligible Abdudokir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush.
“Stones hasn’t accomplished 90 minutes since October. Metropolis should hope he can now: the one centre-back on the bench is the rookie Max Alleyne.
“Membership Brugge arrive in Manchester in type. They’re unbeaten in 20 video games.”
Good recollections for Metropolis
19:25 , Mike Jones
Manchester Metropolis final confronted Membership Brugge in 2021/22 Champions League group phases.
They gained each fixtures at an mixture rating of 9-2.
Metropolis scored at the least 4 targets in each of these fixtures and can carry these good recollections into tonight’s conflict.
Replace from Man Metropolis
19:22 , Mike Jones
Concerning the hearth at Manchester Metropolis, the membership have stated:
“We will affirm that tonight’s match will kick off at 8pm as initially deliberate.
“We look ahead to welcoming everybody to the Etihad Stadium for tonight’s match.”
Pep Guardiola explains stunning view on Man Metropolis’s Champions League struggles
19:20 , Mike Jones
has insisted that ’s perilous place within the is just not an issue however a possibility.
With a sport to go of the group stage, Metropolis, the 2023 winners, as they stand Twenty fifth within the 36-team desk.
They’ve solely taken one level from their final 4 video games and on the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday to salvage a play-off place.
Membership Brugge have by no means gained in England
19:15 , Mike Jones
Membership Brugge have misplaced 13 of their 15 fixtures in England and have by no means triumphed on this nation.
Metropolis have historical past on their aspect and tackle a workforce determined to progress within the European top-flight.
Gvardiol on Membership Brugge
19:11 , Mike Jones
“I can let you know they’re an excellent workforce,” Josko Gvardiol stated about Membership Brugge.
He added: “That’s the explanation they’re right here within the Champions League. It gained’t be straightforward. I confronted them with Leipzig a few years in the past and so they have been actually good.
“They like extensive wingers and attempt to play one-v-one so I feel it is going to be an excellent sport. We have to win and we are going to do the whole lot to win it.
“I’ve seen this season many occasions groups come to Etihad and attempt to defend for 90 minutes. It’s tough for us to get by means of this however we are going to see
Gvardiol able to adapt for Metropolis
19:05 , Mike Jones
Josko Gvardiol says that he’s able to play in whichever place Pep Guardiola desires him to.
“I’m the one obtainable and no matter he [Pep] desires from me – centre-back, wing-back – I’m prepared,” Gvardiol stated.
“I can see it’s tough for the supervisor. I stated many occasions that I’m a defender. My job is to guard the aim.
“If I discover myself on the reverse aim I’ll do the whole lot to attain and assist the workforce within the sport. I wish to play with the ball. The one factor is that if I’m excessive it may be tough to return again and defend.
“We noticed this final season, nearly on the road and attacking the area in behind. That is acquainted to me.
“After the previous few weeks, we needed to change one thing and that was the concept of the supervisor and I feel it labored. We’ll see what he prepares.”
Kyle Walker reveals ‘uncomfortable’ exit talks with Pep Guardiola after becoming a member of AC Milan
19:00 , Mike Jones
endured an uncomfortable dialog with when the defender informed the supervisor he wished to depart the membership.
Walker has joined on mortgage for the remainder of the season in that features an possibility to remain on the San Siro completely in the summertime.
The 34-year-old has been a staple for each Metropolis and England over the previous seven years, profitable 17 trophies on the Etihad after shifting from Tottenham for £45m in 2017. However at occasions this season and requested to depart with the intention to play extra minutes.
Membership Brugge line-up versus Man Metropolis
18:56 , Mike Jones
Membership Brugge XI: Mignolet; Seys, Ordonez, Mechele, DE Cuyper; Onyedika, Jashasri; Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis; Jutgla
Foden on Metropolis’s targets this 12 months
18:55 , Mike Jones
Man Metropolis’s Phil Foden spoke to the Manchester Night Information about what he’s anticipating to attain this season and named profitable the Champions League trophy as one of many targets.
Foden stated: “I feel ending at the least high 4 within the Premier League, aiming to win the Champions League, and the FA Cup as nicely [are our targets].
“Although it has been a difficult season, we have nonetheless obtained issues to look ahead to. It was solely final season once we gained the league.
“As a result of we’re having a little bit of a blip, we will not lose perception in that. I nonetheless imagine we are able to do good issues and are available again from this.”
Replace from Larger Manchester Hearth and Rescue Service
18:51 , Mike Jones
A spokesperson for Larger Manchester Hearth and Rescue Service (GMFRS) stated:
“Simply earlier than 6pm this night (Wednesday twenty ninth January), two hearth engines from Blackley and Philips Park hearth station have been referred to as to reviews of a constructing hearth involving an outbuilding on the automobile park of the soccer floor on Rowsley Road, Manchester.
“Crews arrived rapidly on the scene. Firefighters sporting respiratory equipment used two hose reels to extinguish the hearth, they’re at the moment dampening down any hotspots and making the world secure.
“Firefighters have been in attendance for round thirty minutes and are nonetheless on the scene.”
Man Metropolis line-ups versus Membership Brugge
18:48 , Mike Jones
Man Metropolis XI: Ederson, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland
Subs: Ortega, Carson, Grealish, Savinho, Wright, Alleyne, O’Reilly, Lewis, McAtee
Tonight’s line-up 💪
XI | Ederson, Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Foden, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Carson, Grealish, Savinho, Wright, Alleyne, O’Reilly, Lewis, McAtee |
Man Metropolis launch assertion over Etihad Stadium hearth
18:44 , Mike Jones
Man Metropolis posted this assertion on social media:
“Manchester Metropolis FC can affirm that there was a hearth in one of many outdoors merchandise kiosks, situated close to the doorway to the Colin Bell West Stand.
“Emergency companies are current on the scene and the hearth has now been extinguished.
“The protection of all attending the match tonight is our high precedence, and as such all occasions deliberate for West Stand reception have been cancelled, together with the welcome occasion for brand spanking new gamers, and the primary workforce arrival.”
‘It is necessary to face as much as Man Metropolis’
18:40 , Mike Jones
Talking at a pre-match press convention yesterday, Membership Brugge goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, stated: “We have now fought to be right here and tomorrow we’ve got to place the icing on the cake.
“It is going to be necessary to face as much as Man Metropolis and present our high quality.
“We is not going to have a look at the outcomes of the opposite matches, we are going to give attention to our sport.
“We should be at our best in opposition to Man Metropolis.”
Pre-match ideas from Membership Brugge coach
18:35 , Mike Jones
Membership Brugge coach, Nicky Hayen, stated: “Man Metropolis are a really medical workforce in entrance of aim as a result of they’ve quite a lot of high quality.
“We all know what we should do for 90 minutes.
“We have now already confirmed in our Champions League marketing campaign that we are able to play with braveness, and we are going to do the identical.”
Prepare for chaos on Champions League’s remaining evening
18:30 , Mike Jones
For the primary time on this season’s new , gamers and managers are utilizing a type of definitive soccer phrases a couple of fixture. described ’s match with as “our remaining”. Unai Emery has been saying comparable about ’s dwelling sport in opposition to Celtic, with Luis Enrique echoing as a lot forward of ’s showdown in Stuttgart.
There may be lastly readability about what groups must do, which hasn’t all the time been the case on this new group stage. Many gamers discovered the center of the marketing campaign fairly unusual, . No extra.
, and what it’s all been constructing as much as.
Man Metropolis need to punish Membership Brugge’s weaknesses
18:25 , Mike Jones
“I count on a tricky, powerful opponent,” stated Pep Guardiola when previewing tonight’s match.
“When a workforce is 20 video games unbeaten – no losses – it’s as a result of they’re good. There aren’t any secrets and techniques about that.
“I noticed their video games and I noticed the explanation they beat Aston Villa, Juventus, Milan they performed good. Celtic in Glasgow … they did very well.
“Completely different variations within the build-up and the person marking scenario is all the time uncomfortable. We have now to learn nicely what we’ve got to do.
“However each workforce – Manchester Metropolis included- has weaknesses. It’s important to uncover them and punish them.”
Hearth at Etihad Stadium
18:24 , Mike Jones
Regarding the hearth.
A short lived merchandise caught hearth and the instant neighborhood was rapidly evacuated.
A participant presentation of Metropolis’s new signings for the lads’s and ladies’s groups was attributable to happen this night however has been cancelled.
There is no such thing as a phrase but on whether or not the sport can be delayed although that doesn’t appear to be the case on the minute.
Hearth at Etihad Stadium
18:21 , Mike Jones
As kick off attracts nearer, information is coming by means of a couple of hearth on the Etihad Stadium.
Extra particularly, one of many merchandise stales caught ablaze on the concourse across the floor.
The fireplace has since been put out.
Guardiola’s harm updates
18:20 , Mike Jones
The Manchester Metropolis supervisor revealed that Oscar Bobb is in competition to play this night after recovering from harm and John Stones is prone to begin.
“The fellows who have been there in opposition to Chelsea are there and I feel Oscar [Bobb] got here again as nicely,” Guardiola stated when addressing his choice choices for the match.
“[Stones] performed 35 minutes [on Saturday] and performed very well. We’ll see at present how does he really feel.”
Champions League exit not on Guardiola’s thoughts
18:15 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola has insisted he’s not even considering the prospect of going out however accepted it might be a setback for Metropolis.
He stated: “For the membership, it might not be good, however I’m not fascinated about that proper now.
“I do know for all of the individuals involved whether or not we are going to qualify or not, I’m considering we will do it.”
Manchester Metropolis face ‘remaining’ with a distinction that may outline their future
18:10 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola has , however not the type to which he’s accustomed. Not like in 2009 or 2011 or 2023, with the glory it introduced. And even 2021, when taking Manchester Metropolis to what was then uncharted territory for them nonetheless certified as an achievement.
Now the finality would carry solely failure. Some thought Metropolis’s Champions League marketing campaign would finish in Munich on 31 Could, maybe in opposition to Bayern or Barcelona, not in Manchester in January in opposition to Brugge. Metropolis haven’t gone out in a Champions League group stage since 2012-13, their remaining season beneath Roberto Mancini. Guardiola hasn’t since he was a Barcelona participant in 2000-01, once they completed beneath Leeds United.
‘It is not an issue, it is a problem’
18:05 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola says that Man Metropolis being getting ready to an early Champions League exit is ‘not an issue, however a problem’.
The Metropolis boss revealed: “The scenario that we’ve got, we’ve got no likelihood however to win the sport. If not, we is not going to proceed on this competitors.
“It’s not an issue, it’s a possibility, a problem and we are going to face it.”
Guardiola on necessity of taking part in John Stones
18:00 , Mike Jones
Manchester Metropolis boss, Pep Guardiola stated: “Hear, he has to play – until he says to me that he guarantees he can not play. And after that, Josko [Gvardiol] can be central defender and I’ll invent and consider who performs full again.
“John all the time had these sort of conditions [minor injuries], besides the 12 months of the treble when he was extremely dependable.
“Hopefully now this time he has recovered higher. We gave him extra time. 45 minutes in opposition to Tottenham, 45 minutes in opposition to Aston Villa and he’s out.
“He performed actually good on this 40 minutes [against Chelsea] and has to take the time for Wednesday, to present time for Ruben [Dias] and Nathan [Ake] to return again.”
Who’s susceptible to being eradicated?
17:55 , Mike Jones
Manchester Metropolis are the largest membership susceptible to exiting the competitors, with the 2023 winners sitting in Twenty fifth forward of the ultimate spherical of video games.
They face Membership Brugge, who’re in twentieth, three factors above Pep Guardiola’s aspect.
Each aspect from nineteenth to twenty seventh is susceptible to being eradicated, together with PSG – who beat Metropolis 4-2 final week – Benfica, Sporting and Stuttgart (who themselves face PSG in a doubtlessly pivotal conflict, with each side on 10 factors).
Metropolis have simply eight factors forward of kick-off, however a win might take them as excessive as nineteenth and into the play-off spots.
A draw for the Cityzens would imply they have been eradicated.
Dinamo Zagreb and Shakhtar Donetsk are the opposite two sides sitting out of the play-off locations who might nonetheless earn a spot, although they face tough remaining fixtures in opposition to AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund respectively.
Eight sides have already been eradicated from the competitors: Bologna, Sparta Prague, Leipzig, Girona, Purple Star Belgrade, Sturm Graz, Salzburg, Slovan Bratislava and BSC Younger Boys.
Pep Guardiola counting on John Stones for Champions League “remaining”
17:50 , Mike Jones
has informed that, until he “guarantees” he can not play, he has to start out ’s “remaining” in opposition to on Wednesday and spare them from the embarrassment of an early exit.
England worldwide Stones has not begun a sport since December’s defeat to Aston Villa however Guardiola is counting on him to rescue Metropolis’s European marketing campaign.
He held Stones again in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Chelsea, utilizing the 30-year-old as a second-half substitute and admitting that he , who was at fault for Noni Madueke’s third-minute opener.
Which groups are within the play-off spots?
17:45 , Mike Jones
The groups who end between ninth and twenty fourth will go right into a play-off spherical for a spot within the final 16.
The groups from ninth to Sixteenth are seeded, and so they face a workforce between seventeenth and twenty fourth. The seeded groups have the benefit of taking part in the second leg at dwelling – who they face is decided by a separate draw.
Forward of the ultimate spherical, are ninth, with Borussia Dortmund in 14th, Bayern Munich in fifteenth, Actual Madrid in Sixteenth and Celtic in 18th.
Each membership from ninth to 18th is assured at the least a spot within the play-off spherical because it stands, although all of them might additionally climb into the automated qualification positions if outcomes went their approach.
Villa are solely behind eighth-placed Leverkusen on aim distinction, with 18th-placed Celtic only a level behind them, so it could possibly be all to play for by way of these remaining six automated qualification spots.
open picture in galleryReal Madrid are one of many sides between ninth and 18th, all of whom are assured at the least a spot within the play-offs (Getty Photographs)
Who’s hoping for an automated place within the final 16?
17:40 , Mike Jones
sit in third within the league section desk and they’re basically assured an automated place within the final 16. They’re solely three factors above the groups in ninth to thirteenth, however they’ve a superior aim distinction of between seven and 11 targets on these sides.
The state of affairs is analogous for Inter Milan, who’ve 16 factors however much less aim distinction than Arsenal – they could possibly be overtaken in the event that they lose in opposition to Monaco and Villa have been to beat 3-0, for instance.
The groups in fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth might all fall into the play-off locations, however none of them can fall out of the highest 24.
Atletico Madrid and AC Milan sit on 15 factors, with Atalanta on 14 and Bayer Leverkusen on 13.
Who has certified out of the Champions League league section?
17:35 , Mike Jones
Solely two sides have assured themselves a spot within the final 16 of the competitors.
League section leaders have gained each match of their marketing campaign to this point, and they’ll end high of the desk in the event that they keep away from defeat to PSV.
Barcelona are the opposite aspect who’ve secured a spot within the spherical of 16, with their dramatic 5-4 win over Benfica which means they’ll doubtless end second.
The primary legs of the last-16 ties are attributable to be be performed on 4 & 5 March.
How a reborn Champions League turned a shock success
17:30 , Mike Jones
By the point among the squads obtained into their dressing rooms after the penultimate evening of group-stage motion, many gamers didn’t actually wish to have a look at the desk. The bulk simply wished to know what they want from the final sport.
Many squads, like the latest champions at Twenty fifth-placed and Sixteenth-placed , wouldn’t have anticipated to be something near the place they at the moment discover themselves in. They may now be concerned in nights that go down in European Cup historical past, if not for causes they’d like.
Man Metropolis vs Membership Brugge prediction
17:25 , Mike Jones
They may make it somewhat too near consolation for the house followers however Metropolis’s firepower ought to see them ease previous Brugge for a simple win.
Three factors is a should if Metropolis hope to make it into the play-off spherical of the Champions League’s new format.
Manchester Metropolis 3-1 Membership Brugge.
Man Metropolis vs Cub Brugge predicted line-ups
17:20 , Mike Jones
Man Metropolis XI: Ederson; Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Silva, Kovacic, Gundogan; Foden, Haaland, Savinho.
Membership Brugge XI: Mignolet; Sabbe, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper; Onyedika, Jashari; Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis; Jutgla.
What’s the Man Metropolis workforce information?
17:15 , Mike Jones
Midfielder Oscar Bobb, who’s but to play this season due to harm, is within the Metropolis squad however Guardiola’s three January signings – Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis – are all ineligible.
Metropolis are nonetheless with out the injured Rodri, Jeremy Doku, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias.
How can I watch it?
17:10 , Mike Jones
Within the UK, the match can be proven dwell on TNT Sports activities 2, with protection beginning at 7pm. Subscribers also can watch on-line by way of discovery+.
You should purchase a TNT Sports activities subscription by way of discovery+ , for under £30.99 per thirty days.
When is Man Metropolis vs Membership Brugge?
17:05 , Mike Jones
The match is because of kick-off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 29 January on the Etihad Stadium.
Man Metropolis vs Membership Brugge
17:00 , Mike Jones
face within the remaining spherical of matches within the ’s new league section tonight, with the hosts realizing that they have to win with the intention to progress.
Metropolis’s 4-2 loss to PSG final week signifies that they lie in Twenty fifth place, and so they start the day two factors adrift of the play-off locations.
Which means that ’s aspect should win this night as they face a Membership Brugge aspect who’re in twentieth forward of kick-off.
The Belgian aspect will not be assured a spot within the play-offs both at current, which means that each side want a end result with the intention to be within the draw for the play-offs on the finish of month.
Manchester Metropolis vs Membership Brugge LIVE
10:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s do-or-die time for Manchester Metropolis as they give the impression of being to progress within the Champions League. A dangerous defeat to Paris Saint-Germain final week has left them needing a win to progress to simply the play-off rounds, with a direct final 16 spot lengthy since out of attain. Can Membership Brugge deny their hosts and guide their very own place within the knockout rounds?
Kick off is at 8pm.