Predicted Manchester City lineup For Champions League Clash Against Slovan Bratislava.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne remains doubtful ahead of their historic first trip to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday.
De Bruyne was substituted at halftime due to a hip injury during City’s 0-0 draw against Inter Milan on matchday one and hasn’t played since, having failed a late fitness test before Saturday’s match against Newcastle United.
Given the weaker opposition, manager Pep Guardiola is unlikely to risk the Belgian midfielder, possibly keeping him fresh for their weekend clash with Fulham.
This opens the door for Phil Foden, who could make just his second start of the season. Guardiola has been cautious with Foden’s playing time after the Englishman’s spell on the sidelines in August and September. Foden has only featured as a substitute against Inter, Arsenal, and Newcastle, but did start in last week’s EFL Cup victory over Watford, making him a candidate to start again in this match.
Rodri, meanwhile, is sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL tear, a significant blow confirmed by the club last week. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in City’s midfield.
Rico Lewis filled in last weekend, but Guardiola could use this game to give Matheus Nunes some minutes, pairing him with Mateo Kovacic in midfield.
Nathan Ake remains out until after the October international break, while Oscar Bobb is expected to be sidelined until the end of the year.
With City’s squad depth, Guardiola is likely to rotate the lineup. After missing out on the Newcastle draw, Jeremy Doku and Savinho could both start on the wings.
Backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who has made five Champions League appearances since joining, could be given the nod in goal, while John Stones might get a rare start after being on the bench again on Saturday.
One player who rarely gets rotated is Erling Haaland. The striker will aim to break a recent dry spell in the Champions League, where he’s scored just once in his last five appearances, though his overall record remains exceptional with 45 goals in 46 games.
Manchester City predicted starting lineup:
Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Matheus Nunes, Kovacic; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Haaland
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