Manchester City will close the calendar year on a positive note. The team lost in the final round of the Champions League, losing to RB Leipzig (1:2), but this did not affect the standings. The Citizens advanced to the playoffs from first place together with PSG. Unsuccessful for the team was the English Super Cup and the start in the English League Cup, where the heavenly ones could not cope with West Ham at the very first stage. In the championship of England, the reigning champion managed to reach the first position. On the account of Pep Guardiola and his squad are 14 victories and two peaceful outcomes, which brought them 44 points and first place in the table. It is impossible not to note the best indicator of the team in the defense line, where the Mankunians allowed their opponents to hit their own goal only nine times. In the last three rounds, Man City defeated Wolverhampton (1:0), Leeds (7:0) and Newcastle (4:0). Today Delap, Mendy and Torres, who has a leg injury, will not be able to enter the field. So far, only Walker is isolated.
Boston surprised with their performance in the last match. Two days ago the Celts defeated Cleveland at home (111:101). But the cavalrymen played that match with a weakened composition. Evan Mobley, Jarette Allen and Colleen Sexton did not play in the confrontation with the Celtics. Boston is also missing a few performers. But they cannot be called the main ones. No matter how Al Horford or Juan Hernangomez performed, they are not considered irreplaceable. True, it will be very difficult for Udoki’s charges to achieve success. After all, they do not perform in the best way at a party.