Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen as a “top-class player” and one his side must be wary of ahead of their final UEFA Champions League group-phase clash against Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.
Both teams approach the fixture with high but differing expectations. Manchester City are targeting a win that would secure them an automatic place in the round of 16, while a positive result for the Turkish champions would see Galatasaray advance to the round-of-16 playoffs.
City have recorded four wins, two defeats and a draw in the competition and currently sit 11th on the table with 13 points – the same tally as sixth-placed Paris Saint-Germain but separated by goal difference.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, have posted three wins, three defeats and one draw, leaving them 17th on the standings as they aim to finish Matchday 8 inside the top-24 places.
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While both sides boast exciting attacking talent, attention will naturally fall on the strikers. Manchester City parade arguably the deadliest forward in world football in Erling Haaland, while Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the top five strikers in Europe and among the most sought-after.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola stressed his side’s determination to win while acknowledging the quality within the Galatasaray squad, which includes Osimhen, former City players Leroy Sané and Ilkay Gündogan, and Premier League-experienced midfielders Mario Lemina and Lucas Torreira.
“We will try to win tomorrow. Galatasaray are leading the Turkish league and all their players are exceptional,” Guardiola said.
“The quality they have – Osimhen is a top-class player. They link well with him. Leroy and the wingers are so quick. Gundo and Lemina are experienced players. They are one of the biggest clubs and they always have good players. We have to make an incredible effort with our fans.”
While Galatasaray’s defence will have their hands full containing Haaland, City’s centre-backs will also face a stern test trying to keep the energetic and relentless Osimhen out of their penalty area – a challenge made tougher with new signing Marc Guéhi ineligible for the fixture.
The tie promises to be a tricky one for the Cityzens, who will be without several key players. Midfielder Rodri is suspended after his red card away to Bodo/Glimt last week, while Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo are both ineligible for Champions League action until the knockout stages.
In addition, Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, John Stones, Savinho and Oscar Bobb remain sidelined through injury. Osimhen has already scored against a Premier League team (Liverpool) in the Champions League this season.
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