Manchester City’s 2024/25 Champions League journey continues on Tuesday night when they travel to Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava.
The Cityzens were held to a 1-1 draw last time out at Newcastle United to lose their spot at the top of the Premier League, but midweek action brings a chance to bounce back and reassert their status as one of the best teams in Europe.
Pep Guardiola’s outfit drew with Inter in their first outing on the continent in a goalless encounter at the Etihad Stadium, so who should the Spaniard turn to on Tuesday?
Here’s the predicted City lineup to take on Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
GK: Ederson – Guardiola may well give Stefan Ortega a go in goal but for now Ederson remains more likely to start. Has been booked in his last two games.
RB: Rico Lewis – Kyle Walker has started City’s last three matches and could be due a rest at right-back. That could allow Lewis to drop back from central midfield, but the 19-year-old will still pop up in advanced areas.
CB: Manuel Akanji – Has been a regular at centre-back in recent weeks, constantly driving into midfield.
CB: Ruben Dias – City have gone three games without a clean sheet, so a rock-solid performance from Dias in Bratislava would be a big morale booster.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – It was the Croatian who put City ahead at Newcastle, having demonstrated his scoring touch at the end of the 2023/24 campaign with some memorable goals against Real Madrid and Fulham.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – Rodri’s absence could result in Kovacic being an ever-present in Guardiola’s starting XI.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – Gundogan was slightly wasteful at St James’ Park, ruining some decent openings with poor passing and finishing. Still searching for his first goal for City since returning from Barcelona.
RW: Bernardo Silva – The Portugal international consistently sets the standard in City’s midfield and his creativity will be key in midweek.
AM: Phil Foden – The 2023/24 Premier League Player of the Season is still bedding into the 2024/25 campaign, making only one start in the Carabao Cup. Tuesday night could be his chance to shine, with inspiration needed while Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne are out of the picture.
LW: Jeremy Doku – Jack Grealish had his moments against Newcastle and set up Gvardiol’s strike, but rotation out wide has been regular. Doku’s pace will stretch the home side’s defence and he’ll be fresh after a mere nine-minute cameo at the weekend.
ST: Erling Haaland – Was kept out against Newcastle and is also yet to get off the mark in the Champions League. However, the Norwegian is never off the scoresheet for too long and could enjoy a fruitful night in front of goal.
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