Manchester City vs. Bayer Leverkusen Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups | OneFootball

Life under Kasper Hjulmand has gone from strength to strength for Bayer Leverkusen recently. Despite their poor start to November with a 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, the Rhineland club have responded well to the setback. 

A 1-0 win over Benfica preceded a 6-0 thrashing of 1.FC Heidenheim before the international break. They resumed where they left off last weekend as they dismantled VfL Wolfsburg with a blistering first-half performance in a 3-1 victory. 

Now, Die Werkself have perhaps one of the biggest tests of their season on Tuesday as they take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Adding to their tally of 5 points could prove difficult against one of Europe’s strongest sides. 

The Citizens have already encountered German opposition this campaign when they demolished BVB 4-1 at the start of the month. However, last Saturday’s 2-1 slip-up to Newcastle proves they can be got at. 

Otherwise, their form has been rather flawless, largely thanks to former Bundesliga star Erling Haaland. The big Norwegian marksman ought to be a handful for the Leverkusen rearguard having netted 19 goals in 16 games across all competitions. 

Hjulmand’s men will also have to keep a close eye on Phil Foden who looks reborn since being given free rein to get into central positions in attack. Jeremy Doku also possesses frightening pace and has similarly been involved in seven goal returns so far.

Team news and predicted lineups:

 For the hosts, only Mateo Kovacic remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in late October. The 31-year-old isn’t expected back in Pep Guardiola’s team until March 2026 at best. 

Leverkusen’s list of absentees is a little more drastic. Exequiel Palacios (adductor) is out for the year, while Lucas Vazquez (muscular problems) and Equi Fernandez (ligament injury) are doubts. Arthur (back problems) and Axel Tape (fitness) could feature.

Click here to see our predicted Manchester City vs. Bayer Leverkusen lineups.