Manchester City return to Champions League competition on Wednesday when they take on Sparta Prague at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side picked up a dramatic and hard-fought win in their first match after the international break on Sunday, with John Stones’ controversial last-gasp header securing a 2-1 win over Wolves.
Despite the three points, Manchester City are still huffing and puffing to get wins and are yet to find their best rhythm but should have the chance to find some momentum against Sparta Prague.
City have enjoyed a solid start to the new-look Champions League, with a draw against Inter followed up with a 4-0 thrashing of Slovan Bratislava.
It’s another pot four side next for the Blues as they take on the Czech champions in Manchester. Here is everything you need to know about the game.
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Man City vs Sparta Prague kick-off time
Manchester City face Sparta Prague at Etihad on Wednesday, October 23, with kick-off coming at 8 pm.
How to watch Man City vs Sparta Prague
Every Champions League game is televised in the UK so it is possible to watch City take on Sparta on Wednesday.
TV channel for City vs Sparta
Sparta Praha’s visit will be televised live on TNT Sports on the TNT Sports 2 channel. Coverage gets underway an hour before kick-off at 7 p.m.
Man City vs Sparta Prague live stream
The streaming home for TNT Sports is Discovery+.
Those with a subscription will be able to stream Tuesday’s game live on their laptops, smart TVs, smartphones and tablets via the Discovery+ app.
It will cost you £30.99 per month to subscribe to Discovery+.
Manchester City vs Sparta Praha team news
Guardiola could give Nathan Ake just his second City appearance of the season after the Dutch defender returned to the bench in Sunday’s victory.
Ake suffered a hamstring tear while playing for the Netherlands in September and has only just recovered.
It seems unlikely Kevin De Bruyne will be risked for the game, though, as he continues his own recovery and Kyle Walker is out with a knee problem with no timescale on his return.
The Blues boss said: “Except Rodri and Oscar, the other one’s training and getting better. [Some] are not completely fit, like Kevin for example. I can not tell you [when he will be back] I don’t know.
“Kyle as well I think is not ready after the international break. [What’s wrong?] knee. [When will he be back?] I don’t know.”
Referee and officials
- Referee: Maurizio Mariani ITA
- Assistant Referee 1: Daniele Bindoni ITA
- Assistant Referee 2: Alberto Tegoni ITA
- Fourth Official: Andrea Colombo ITA
- Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA
- Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Valerio Marini ITA
- UEFA Referee Observer: Haim Jakov ISR
- UEFA Delegate: Eugene Westerink NED
Prediction
Just like with Slovan Bratislava, City should have little issue in breezing past their pot four opponents, even if they are still not firing on all cylinders.
Guardiola will likely rotate heavily for the match, with the likes of Matheus Nunes and James McAtee getting starts. Chances are at a premium so they must take them if they want even more minutes.
This could be a heavy scoreline, but you can’t rule out an away goal given City’s leaky defence, which could prove pivotal if goal difference is a factor towards the end of the league phases.
Prediction: Man City 5-1 Sparta Prague
