Manchester City return to Champions League action tonight at the Etihad, where they face Sparta Prague. With their unbeaten record intact, the Blues are riding high after a dramatic last-minute win over Wolves in the Premier League. That victory put them three points ahead of Arsenal, with City trailing Liverpool by just a point in the early stages of the title race.
In the Champions League, City have collected four points from their first two matches. Pep Guardiola, likely to rotate his squad, will be looking to take advantage of home turf as he aims to secure a spot in the top eight, which would guarantee a direct path to the knockout stages.
Stefan Ortega, who started in the game against Bratislava, may get another chance between the sticks tonight. Nathan Ake, who just returned to training late last week, might not be fully ready, so Josko Gvardiol could continue at left-back. With Kyle Walker sidelined, Rico Lewis is expected to step in at right-back, while Manuel Akanji seems set to return to the heart of the defense after missing the Wolves game. Ruben Dias will likely partner Akanji, with John Stones potentially missing out.
In midfield, Matteo Kovacic’s workload has increased in Rodri’s absence, and Guardiola may choose to rest the Croatian tonight. Matheus Nunes could slot in alongside Ilkay Gundogan, while Bernardo Silva might be pushed further up the pitch, especially if Jack Grealish or Jeremy Doku—both of whom missed Tuesday’s training—remain unavailable.
Phil Foden is expected to start as he looks to spark his season to life, while young talent Savinho is a prime candidate to join the attack alongside Erling Haaland. James McAtee, who found the net off the bench in Bratislava, will hope for more minutes but may start on the bench again.
Predicted City XI: Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Nunes, Gundogan; Savinho, Foden, Bernardo; Haaland.
