The Swiss Super League champions, BSC Young Boys, are set to welcome the Premier League champions, Manchester City, at Stade de Suisse. The Champions League has returned, and it brings with it the defending champions of the tournament. Man City is scheduled to journey to Bern, Switzerland, to take on BSC Young Boys on Wednesday evening for the Matchday 3 encounter in Champions League Group G.
The hosts have been formidable in their domestic campaign, currently holding the 2nd place with only one defeat in 10 league games. However, a different scenario unfolds in the UEFA Champions League. Young Boys have yet to secure a victory and will be eager to claim their first win in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Man City remain unbeaten in the UEFA Champions League, boasting 2 wins so far, and will be aiming for their 3rd successive victory to secure their spot in the next round.
This midweek clash will mark the first-ever encounter between the two sides. Pep Guardiola’s team is considered the favorite in this fixture, but the presence of an artificial pitch could pose a threat, potentially giving the home side an advantage.
When and Where?
Where: Wankdorf Stadium, Bern Switzerland.
When: Wednesday 25 October, 2023.
Time: 8.00 pm BST.
Match Officials
Referee: Morten Krogh.
Assistants: Dennis Rasmussen & Steffen Bramsen.
Fourth Official: Peter Kjærsgaard.
VAR: Paolo Valeri.
Assistant VAR: Massimiliano Irrati.
Team news
Young Boys have no fresh injury worries; apart from Kastriot Imeri and Darian Males all of their key players are fit and ready to start against the defending champions.
For Manchester City, De Bruyne remains sidelined for an extended period due to a hamstring injury, while the rest of the squad is fully prepared and raring to go for the upcoming fixture.
Match Analysis
The Swiss team, Young Boys, could opt for a 4-3-3 attacking formation against the Citizens, with a seamless transition to a 4-4-2 diamond during their transitional play. In this setup, Urginic drops into the midfield off possession, leaving two strikers up front.
Head coach Raphaël Wicky is likely to maintain the same backline and midfield configuration used in the last league fixture against Zurich. In the attacking department, a trio comprising Jean-Pierre, Filip Ugrinic, and Meschack Elia is expected to lead the frontline, challenging the City defense.
The English champions, led by Spaniard Pep Guardiola, may see the return of key players Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, and Ederson to the starting lineup. They were rested during the weekend’s game due to fatigue, aiming to start fresh for the midweek clash in Switzerland.
Manchester City are expected to adopt a 4-3-3 formation to counter the hosts. The anticipated back four will feature Walker, Dias, Akanji, and Gvardiol, supported by the midfield trio of Stones, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva. This setup will empower the front three comprising Jack Grealish, Haaland, and Julian Alvarez in the attacking lineup.
Key Players
Jean-Pierre Nsame
Young Boys’ top scorer this season, Jean-Pierre Nsame, a Cameroonian international striker, has notched an impressive 7 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions for the Swiss side. His prolific form could pose a significant challenge to the treble-winning defense, especially given the favorable home conditions.
In the previous season, the 30-year-old made a remarkable impact with 37 goal contributions in 40 appearances. He clinched the title of Swiss Super League top scorer in the last season with 21 goals to his name.
Erling Haaland
The 23-year-old Norwegian international striker is currently topping the goal-scoring charts both at the club and in the league, with an impressive tally of 9 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. However, last season’s Golden Boot winner has yet to open his account in the Champions League this season
Halaand will be eager to continue his goal-scoring form, especially after finding the net in the previous league fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Young boys predicted lineup vs Man City: Racioppi; Blum, Camara, Benito, Garcia; Monteiro, Lauper, Niasse; Jean-Pierre, Ugrinic, Elia.
Man City predicted lineup vs Young Boys: Ederson; Kyle Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Stones, Rodri, B Silva; Álvarez, Haaland, Grealish.
