Phil Foden is poised to make a return to Manchester City’s lineup for their Champions League clash against Slovan Bratislava.
After a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United over the weekend, City head back to European action, aiming to shake off a string of recent results that have seen them fall short of victory. Anthony Gordon’s penalty equalized Josko Gvardiol’s early goal, marking City’s third draw in their last four games. Their only win in this period came against Championship side Watford in the Carabao Cup.
City’s Champions League campaign began with a goalless draw against Inter Milan in the revamped group stage format. Now, as they prepare for the trip to Slovakia, Pep Guardiola is expected to rotate his squad to keep the team fresh for the packed schedule ahead.
Kyle Walker has had a tough time defensively in recent games, including against Arsenal and Newcastle, which could see Rico Lewis slot into the backline. Meanwhile, John Stones is anticipated to step in for Ruben Dias. Phil Foden, steadily building up his game time, is likely to start in his preferred number 10 role, with Jack Grealish on one wing and Savinho making his return on the other.
Up front, Erling Haaland is expected to lead the attack, with Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva forming the midfield duo in the absence of Rodri. Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji will likely round out the defense, with Ederson guarding the goal.
Predicted Manchester City XI vs Slovan Bratislava: Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Bernardo, Foden; Grealish, Savinho, Haaland.
