MANCHESTER CITY take on Europa League winners Sevilla on Wednesday night looking to add even more silverware to their already-bulging cabinet.
Pep Guardiola and Co travel to Greece for the much-anticipated glamour clash.
The City boss is aiming to win the Super Cup for the first time since 2013, when he was manager of Bayern Munich.
He also claimed Super Cup glory with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.
In his way this time will be Europa League holders Sevilla, who knocked out Manchester United on their way to winning their specialist tournament last year.
Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side have won the Europa League a staggering seven times since the 2005-06 season, but have only managed to get their hands on the Super Cup once – courtesy of a 3-0 win over Barcelona in 2006.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Among Sevilla’s ranks are former Premier League stars Erik Lamela, Suso and ex-City ace Jesus Navas.
Guardiola and Co will have to do without star man Kevin De Bruyne, after the Belgian suffered a hamstring injury against Burnley on Friday night.
Speaking in his press conference, the City boss said: “Kevin De Bruyne’s injury is serious one. He will be out for a few months.
“We have to decide in the next days on surgery but for sure we lose Kevin for some time.”
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
What is their form like?
City began their Premier League title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win at Turf Moor on Friday night.
Erling Haaland scored twice during the opening 45 minutes, with Rodri adding another 15 minutes from time.
Sevilla, meanwhile, were stunned 2-1 by Valencia at Ramon-Sanchez Pizjuan.
Javi Guerra struck an 88th minute winner for the visitors, after Sevilla defender Loic Bade was red carded.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
As mentioned, City will have to do without star man De Bruyne.
Guardiola admitted that his star man may have to go under the knife, saying: “We have to decide on surgery but he will be a few months out.”
Ruben Dias will miss out with concussion, while Bernardo Silva is ill.
Joao Cancelo is fit but has not been named in the travelling squad.
John Stones is back in contention, having made the trip to Greece.
Sevilla were without Marcao, Tanguy Nianzou and Alfonso Pastor Vacas against Valencia.
Who will be the star men?
Despite the loss of De Bruyne, City are still stacked with top quality talent.
In the Belgian’s absence, the Treble winners could look to Phil Foden to provide their creative spark.
Sevilla will hope that forward Youssef En-Nesyri can grab them a goal.
The Moroccan got off the mark for the season by scoring against Valencia on Friday night.
What have the managers said?
Guardiola was asked if City finally winning the Champions League would take the pressure off his side.
He said: “It’s a relief. To tell you that you can be seven years without winning the Champions League, it’s difficult to win. It’s not enough, otherwise we leave everyone at home because we have done it.
“We are hungry enough to compete, to challenge ourselves. If someone wants to take our three crowns they can fight us to take it.”
Ahead of the match, Mendilibar said: “I’m happy to be here, to have won for the club, which was having a hard time when we got here.
“We have done something good that can have repercussions for the good of the club.”
SunSport prediction
Sevilla might be Europa League specialists, but they struggle to translate that form against the continent’s true elite.
For that reason, it’s difficult to look beyond a comfortable City win, despite the loss of De Bruyne.
SunSport predicts: Man City 3 Sevilla 0
When is Man City vs Sevilla?
- Man City vs Sevilla will take place on Wednesday, August 16.
- Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
- The Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Greece will play host.
What TV channel is Man City vs Sevilla on and can it be live streamed?
- Man City vs Sevilla will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1.
- TNT Sports customers can live stream all the action via the TNT Sports app/ website.
- Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
What are the odds?
Match result
- Man City – 4/11
- Draw – 15/4
- Sevilla – 15/2
To lift the trophy
Read More on The Sun
- Man City – 1/6
- Sevilla – 7/2
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
