Manchester City resume their Champions League campaign this evening, with Bayer Leverkusen the opponents at the Etihad Stadium on what is a big night for Pep Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola is looking for a response following the Premier League defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
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It was a disappointing result for Manchester City, who had more than enough chances to take all three points at St. James’ Park.
Wastefulness cost Guardiola’s side, and the Spaniard will not want a repeat of that tonight as City look to take a big step towards automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
City have enjoyed a strong start in the Champions League so far, taking 10 points from a possible 12 which sees them sit fourth in the League Phase table.
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Ahead of tonight’s clash, here’s a potential XI we may see from Guardiola.
Predicted Man City XI vs Bayer Leverkusen as Tijjani Reijnders and Savinho return
Pep Guardiola pulls a face in his press conference.
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
In goal, there’s no reason to suggest it will be anyone other than Gianluigi Donnarumma, who’s played all four games in the competition so far.
At the back, we may see Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly, which would mean no changes to the backline from the game against Newcastle.
In midfield though, Guardiola may shuffle the pack.
Rodri and Mateo Kovacic are both still out injured, so Nico Gonzalez looks set to continue in the holding role.
Pep Guardiola’s view of the Champions League is crystal clear
“It’s special for the players, managers and everyone. To challenge yourself with the best teams in Europe is incredible, a huge experience.”
Tijjani Reijnders didn’t start against Newcastle and could therefore rotate back in for this one. He could play as an eight alongside Phil Foden, with captain Bernardo Silva – who’s played a lot lately – being rested.
Reijnders hasn’t properly kicked on since his amazing performance against Wolves on his City debut, so hopefully the Dutchman will make the most of any opportunity tonight.
Erling Haaland will obviously lead the line and on the left, it’s difficult to look past Jeremy Doku, who has been in fine fettle this season.
On the right, it’s possible we could see Savinho. The Brazilian has struggled for opportunities in the Premier League of late, but has started the last two Champions League matches.
Predicted XI (4-3-3) – Donnarumma/Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly/Gonzalez, Reijnders, Foden/Savinho, Haaland, Doku.
Pep Guardiola points.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
100 up for Pep Guardiola in the Champions League
Tonight is extra special for Guardiola, who is managing his 100th game for Man City in the Champions League.
Since his arrival in 2016, Guardiola has established City as real heavyweights in Europe, and really made the Champions League a part of the club’s DNA.
Pep Guardiola’s Champions League record for Man City
Games managed – 99
Wins – 62
Draws – 18
Losses – 19
Goals scored – 237
Goals conceded – 115
Titles – 1
Of course, his biggest highlight came when City defeated Inter in Istanbul to claim the trophy in 2023, which capped off an incredible season with an historic Treble.
Having gone a couple of seasons without winning it, there’s no doubt Guardiola will want that feeling again come the end of the 2025/26 campaign.