Manchester City will take on Slovan Bratislava tonight in match day 2 of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Pep Guardiola’s side will be aiming to pick three points in Slovakia to kickstart their Champions League campaign. The world champions were held to a nil-all draw by Inter Milan on match day 1 of the competition. But they will face a tough test tonight against a hungry Slovan Bratislava side. The hosts will be eager to impress at home against one of the best teams in European football. Here is the latest City team news and predicted Manchester City starting eleven ahead of tonight’s match.
Latest Manchester City team news
Manchester City will head into tonight’s game without four players due to injury. Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake and Rodri are all out with long-term injuries.
Pep Guardiola told the media yesterday during his pre-game press conference that Kevin De Bruyne is out until after the upcoming international break.
The other positive news for the world champions is that Erling Haaland trained yesterday ahead of tonight’s match. City’s top scorer picked up a nasty looking ankle injury against Newcastle last Saturday. But he trained yesterday and should take his place in the City squad for tonight’s match.
Predicted Manchester City starting eleven
Ederson- Ederson has started the season strongly and there doesn’t appear to be any reason for him not to start tonight’s match.
Rico Lewis- I’ll give Lewis the nod at right-back. Kyle Walker has played City’s past three games and may be rested for tonight’s match.
John Stones- Stones needs minutes to build his fitness and tonight’s game should see him start.
Ruben Dias- Dias should start alongside Stones based on his recent form.
Manuel Akanji- I believe Gvardiol will be rested tonight and Manuel Akanji could slot in at left-back and drift into midfield.
Matheus Nunes- Tonight’s game could be the ideal opportunity for Nunes to make an impression.
Mateo Kovacic- The Croatian international should start in midfield for tonight’s match.
Phil Foden- There were glimpses from Foden that he is close to returning to his best against Newcastle. He should start tonight as he looks to get into the new season.
Jeremy Doku- I believe that Doku will start on the left wing for City tonight. His ability on the ball may be crucial to breaking down the Slovan Bratislava defence.
Savinho- The Brazilian international has been in good form so far this season. He should start tonight as he looks to continue that form.
Erling Haaland- After overcoming the knock he sustained against Newcastle City’s top scorer should start tonight’s match.
