Plenty to ponder: Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has some key decisions to make as he mulls over his Manchester City team for the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
Man City welcome the Bundesliga side to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday seeking an immediate response to the defeat by Newcastle in the Premier League at the weekend.
Ahead of the league phase showdown, Guardiola confirmed he has no fresh injury concerns to deal with. Although, midfielders Rodri and Mateo Kovacic remain unavailable for selection.
“Everybody [else is available] for tomorrow,” Guardiola said in Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“Not long [for Rodri tomorrow]. Not sure but not long. In the process and timing on when he will be back. We will wait a little more to make sure he is fine.”
With City facing a hectic fixture schedule, it would not be a surprise if Guardiola opts to rotate his squad with one eye on upcoming games against Leeds and Fulham.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to retain his place in between the posts, but there could be a couple of changes in front of him with John Stones and Rayan Ait-Nouri replacing Ruben Dias and Nico O’Reilly.
John Stones could get another Champions League runout
Guardiola could also choose to freshen up his midfield by recalling Tijjani Reijnders who has not started since the 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.
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Omar Marmoush may be handed a rare start against German opposition, possibly in the No10 role behind Erling Haaland with Rayan Cherki and Savinho either side of the Norwegian striker.
Predicted Man City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Stones, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Nico, Reijnders; Cherki, Marmoush, Savinho; Haaland.
Injured: Rodri, Kovacic
Time and date: 8pm GMT on Tuesday, November 25, 2025
How to watch: TNT Sports
Venue: Etihad Stadium