Man City XI vs Napoli: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League today | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola facing big selection call for the Champions League opener at the Etihad

Man City begin the league phase of the competition at home to the reigning Serie A champions, but Guardiola may have one eye on Sunday’s Premier League showdown away at Arsenal.

With such a short turnaround, the Spaniard could opt to freshen things up where necessary.

That said, summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma should keep his place in goal after an impressive debut in the Manchester derby at the weekend, making a stunning save to deny Bryan Mbeumo at 2-0.

Man City paid £26million to sign Donnarumma on transfer Deadline Day and the Italian’s experience in the competition - having lifted the trophy with Paris Saint-Germain last season - should give him the nod over James Trafford.

Nathan Ake is an option to partner Ruben Dias in central defence or Abdukodir Khusanov could move inside to allow one of Rico Lewis or Matheus Nunes to come in at right-back.

Nathan Ake could start tonight’s Champions League tie

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Nico Gonzalez could give Rodri a breather at the base of City’s midfield, but Phil Foden looks set to continue centrally after a promising performance in the win over Man United.

Up front, Erling Haaland is a guaranteed starter after netting SEVEN goals for club and country last week. Jeremy Doku impressed against Man Utd so should continue on the left in the absence of the injured Omar Marmoush.

Predicted Man City XI: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Ake, O’Reilly; Nico, Reijnders; Silva, Foden, Doku; Haaland

Injured: Marmoush, Cherki, Kovacic, Ait-Nouri

Doubts: Stones

Ineligible: Phillips

Time and date: 8pm BST today Thursday, September 18, 2025

How to watch: TNT Sports

Venue: Etihad Stadium