Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen: Predicted City starting eleven and latest City injury news | OneFootball

Following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United on Sunday, Manchester City are in Champions League action tonight as they take on Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium. The matchday five Champions League league phase fixture is a crucial match for both teams. Pep Guardiola’s side sit 4th on the Champions League league phase table with 10 points and a win tonight will see them edge closer to securing a priceless top-eight finish. Leverkusen sit 21st on the table with 5 points and will be eager to pick up a result tonight to bolster their campaign.

Here is the latest Manchester City injury news and my predicted City starting eleven ahead of tonight’s match at the Etihad.

Latest Manchester City injury news.

Pep Guardiola informed the media yesterday that only Mateo Kovacic and Rodri are unavailable for tonight’s match. The pair missed City’s loss to Newcastle. Mateo Kovacic is sidelined for an extended period of time, and Rodri is continuing to work his way back to full fitness. There are no fresh injury concerns to report for City ahead of tonight’s match. The same players who were available for Manchester City’s match against Newcastle are available for tonight’s match.

Predicted City starting eleven.

Gianluigi Donnarumma: Unless a surprise is sprung and James Trafford starts in goal, I expect Donnarumma to start tonight.

Rico Lewis: I’m expecting Pep Guardiola to rotate his squad tonight so that could see Rico Lewis start at right-back.

Ruben Dias: Dias should start tonight given his impressive recent form and his status as Manchester City’s defensive leader.

John Stones: Stones is my pick to partner Ruben Dias in the heart of City’s defence against Bayer Leverkusen.

Rayan Ait-Nouri: Ait-Nouri needs minutes to get up to speed with life at Manchester City. I expect that chance to arrive tonight with the Algerian international starting at left-back.

Nico: The Spanish midfielder is almost undroppable, and I can’t see him not starting tonight.

Tijjani Reijnders: Another player who needs an opportunity to start and I’m expecting Reijnders to get that chance tonight. His forward runs from midfield could help City break open tonight’s match.

Phil Foden: I wouldn’t be surprised if Foden was rested but I feel he will start in midfield tonight.

Oscar Bobb: Bobb has shown flashes of what he is capable of and a match against Bayer Leverkusen may provide him with the opportunity to make an impression on the right wing.

Omar Marmoush: Marmoush desperately needs an opportunity to start. That could come tonight against Bayer Leverkusen. If he does start his ability in the final third could provide City with a dangerous weapon up front.

Erling Haaland: I expect Haaland to start up front as usual.