Manchester City vs FC Copenhagen predictions: Haaland to slay Danish foe

Erling Haaland has been in sensational form since his summer move to Manchester City and he will be hoping to add to his tally on Wednesday night when FC Copenhagen visit the Etihad Stadium for Group G Champions League action. 

The Norway international has scored no less than 14 goals from eight Premier League appearances, leaving him seven clear in the Golden Boot race, while he bagged his third hat-trick of the season in last Sunday's 6-3 victory over Manchester United. 

Pep Guardiola has said he will rest the 22-year-old at some stage but that is unlikely to happen in midweek with his confidence beaming and he will be eager to add to the three Champions League goals he has from two outings this term. 

City look irresistible right now and that spells danger for FC Copenhagen, who have been struggling on their travels and have only managed to take one point from their first two group games. 

Team news 

City remain without Kalvin Phillips, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury, while John Stones is also sidelined with a hamstring issue and Rodri is a major doubt after missing Sunday's derby victory.

England international Kyle Walker was forced off against the Red Devils with a lower leg complaint and is doubtful to make the matchday squad. 

As for FC Copenhagen, Akinkunmi Amoo has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Mamoudou Karamoko is set to miss the whole of October with an unspecified issue. 

The stats 

City's attack has been nothing short of sensational this season and the reigning Premier League champions have scored a league-high 29 times — nine more than nearest rivals Arsenal. 

Haaland has scored 26 goals in 21 Champions League appearances in his career, meaning he finds the back of the net in this competition on average every 62 minutes. 

Guardiola's troops are yet to taste defeat this season — winning eight and drawing twice across all competitions — while they have won their last 10 competitive matches at the Etihad and scored a mammoth 42 goals. 

City have not tasted defeat at home in the Champions League in their last 21 matches and it will be difficult for FC Copenhagen to change that statistic, given the fact they have lost their last four away games across all competitions. 

The Danish outfit have also claimed just one win from their last six away games in Europe's top competition — that coming at The New Saints in July 2019 — and they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Leicester in their last away clash against an English side in this tournament. 

Prediction 

FC Copenhagen could be in for a rough ride at the Etihad and it would be no surprise to see City rack up a big score, with a 4-0 or 5-0 win a scoreline that could potentially happen. 

However, it may prove more prudent to stick with the scoring machine that is Haaland, who has scored 15 goals in his last eight matches and has only failed to net in one outing this season. 

The Norwegian has scored two or more goals in exactly half of his 10 appearances across all competitions and there is every chance he could bag a brace for the sixth time on Wednesday.