Manchester City will be hoping to get their first win of the 2024/2025 Champions League campaign against Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s men drew 0-0 to Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium and they would have their sights set on winning their first game to eventually finish in the top eight during the league phase of the tournament.
Manchester City are currently sitting in 20th place while Slovan Bratislava after languishing in 34th place after being demolished 5-1 by Celtic.
However, after another round of fixtures, both teams have the chance to take significant steps up the ladder.
Off the back of City’s latest outing, Pep Guardiola could make as many as three changes to his side in the Champions League.
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Manchester City predicted line-up vs Slovan Bratislava
Ederson Moraes is expected to start against Slovan Bratislava — as the clash is one that demands City to get a win in Slovakia.
Kyle Walker could lose his place to Rico Lewis at right-back, considering the former has started three games in a week against Arsenal, Watford and Newcastle.
Lewis, who made a rare start in midfield against Eddie Howe’s side could be instructed to join the back four against Slovan Bratislava.
At centre-back, Manuel Akanji could keep his place in the side as Pep Guardiola could be willing to test him out as a part of Manchester City’s double pivot when they have possession like he did against Newcastle.
However, Ruben Dias could be afforded a rest, with John Stones taking his place in the centre of defence.
Off the back of his brilliant goal on Saturday, Josko Gvardiol could retain his place in City’s starting XI.
Mateo Kovacic could also get another runout as Rodri’s replacement at the base of midfield against Slovan Bratislava.
Bernardo Silva, who started out wide against Newcastle could be instructed to partner Kovacic in the middle of the park — with Lewis playing in defence.
Ilkay Gundogan could cap off City’s midfield trio by continuing to operate as an attacking midfielder.
On both flanks, Savinho and Jeremy Doku could be paired together for the first time since Manchester City’s 4-1 thrashing of Ipswich Town.
The £55.5 million man’s introduction to the side on the left flank could lead to Jack Grealish being benched.
Erling Haaland could be rested against Slovan Bratislava after Pep Guardiola confirmed he took a knock against Newcastle.
Guardiola said via BeanymanSports: “Yeah, has some knocks here [in the ankle] but we’ll see [in the] next days.”
If the Catalan does decide to rest Haaland, Phil Foden could take his place in the side and operate as a false nine.
Manchester City predicted line-up vs Slovan Bratislava: Ederson, Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo, Gundogan, Savinho, Foden, Doku
