Sports Blog 12/12/2018: UEFA Champions League Preview – Valencia vs Man United/Man City vs 1899 Hoffenheim, Wednesday 12th December 2018

Though there’s set to be less drama than last night’s pulse-quickening pair of English Champions League ties, there’s still plenty for Man United and Man City to play for on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho needs a big pinch of luck if United are to top Group H; United travel to Valencia at 8pm on BT Sport 3. With Manc side already through to the knockouts, and their Spanish hosts on their way to the Europa League, there’s not a whole lot at stake this evening. However, it would – in theory – make things a lot easier for United’s unhappy manager if his side were to be one of the top seeds in the last 16.



To do so they a) must win at the Mestalla, and b) hope that Juventus fail to take all 3 points from the eliminated Young Boys. Given that last time the Italians faced the Swiss champs they came away with an easy 3-0 victory, it’s quite a big ask of the group minnows.

Complicating matters further is the fact United have a trip to Liverpool to look forward to on Sunday, a game they could really do with winning considering 16 points separate the 2 in the league. With that perhaps in mind, Spreadex are offering a Valencia/Man United Goal Supremacy spread of 0.05-0.25, alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.55-2.75.

As for Man City, they will secure the premier berth in Group F with a draw against 1899 Hoffeinheim at 8pm on BT Sport 2. It’s going to be interesting to see what state City are in on Wednesday; they’re coming off their first league defeat of the season, against Chelsea, and have subsequently slipped from the top spot they’d occupied since the end of September.



That means, though Wednesday’s visit from Hoffenheim isn’t must win, it is a chance to get things immediately back on track. Plus, it’d be nice to make sure they go into the last 16 with their best foot forward, and prevent Lyon – who twice troubled City during the group stages – don’t get the jump on them at the final moment.

As for the Germans, anything expect a win on Wednesday will prevent them from reaching the Europa League. Sadly for them, it looks like it might be the end of their European adventure, with Spreadex offering a Man City/Hoffenheim Goal Supremacy spread of 1.7-1.9 alongside a Total Goals spread of 3.6-3.8.