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Manchester City know they must deliver a win against Club Brugge if they are to progress from the Champions League 'League Phase' on Wednesday evening.
Will the English champions come out on top or will their Belgian counterparts stick the final nail in the City coffin?
To say Manchester City's Champions League campaign hasn't gone to plan would be something of an understatement.
In fact, the 2023 champions' recent form in the competition perfectly summarises their overall season so far.
Pep Guardiola's men head into matchday eight outside of the qualification spots in 25th, knowing only a win will give them a chance at landing a place in the play-off round.
Their recent form is hardly encouraging, though.
City have failed to win any of their last four in the Champions League, a run which saw them squander healthy leads against the likes of Feyenoord and PSG from winning positions.
Much has been made of their poor showings at the back. Indeed, City have conceded 13 goals across their last four in Europe and welcome a Brugge side who have scored in all three of their away encounters so far in this competition.
Nicky Hayen's men are enjoying their European campaign and currently sit 12th, knowing a draw will be enough to see them progress.
Having taken points from the likes of Aston Villa, Sporting Lisbon and Juventus in recent showings, the Belgian champions remain in good stead.
Not only are Brugge unbeaten during that time but they've also lost only once on the road in Europe so far.
While City have struggled in Europe, their overall form has picked up in recent weeks.
Their 4-2 loss at PSG last time out remains their only defeat in their last six in all competitions.
City have also refound their scoring boots with resounding wins over the likes of Salford and Ipswich recently, before riding out an early storm to eventually secure a 3-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday.
Ultimately, for all of Brugge's success in this competition, when you compare these sides' two lineups, the visitors pale in comparison to their big-hitting hosts.
The quality of Guardiola's side remains, despite recent results and City should still be backed to come out on top with a much-needed win at the Etihad.
They've suffered only two defeats in their last 16 at home in all competitions, though they have only picked up five clean sheets during that period.
City are also without a clean sheet in their last four in the Champions League so, coupled with Brugge's 100% scoring record on the road, the home win with both teams scoring looks a sensible pick.
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