The upcoming UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Sparta Prague is generating significant interest, particularly regarding the predicted lineups. According to Chalker (2024), Manchester City is expected to field a strong squad despite the absence of key players such as Kyle Walker due to injury. The anticipated starting eleven includes Stefan Ortega in goal, with Rico Lewis positioned at right-back, and Erling Haaland leading the attack as striker. This lineup highlights City's intent to secure a victory following their recent mixed results in the Champions League.
This will be the first time that Manchester City and Sparta Prague have faced off against eachother in any competition in their respective lengthy histories, with the latter widely believed to be the underdogs in the midweek clash.
Pep Guardiola and his staff have plenty to think about on the team news front, with Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, and Kyle Walker all missing from training on Tuesday, and Kevin De Bruyne remaining ruled out alongside the veteran full-back and Oscar Bobb and Rodri.
It remains to be seen whether Grealish or Doku are deemed fit to play their part at the Etihad Stadium, although one man who will make his return to matchday duties at home as he did for the club on the weekend is Nathan Ake, following the Dutchman’s hamstring injury.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Nunes; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Haaland
Sparta Prague possible starting lineup: Vindahl; Vitik, Panak, Zeleny; Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Wiesner; Birmancevic, Rrahmani, Haraslin
Lars Friis's side, who won a record-extending 35th Czech top-flight title last season, currently sit second in the table with 25 points after 11 matches, three points behind leaders Slavia Prague - who have a game in hand - and one point ahead of third-placed Viktoria Plzen, who they lock horns with on Sunday.
Sparta must first test their mettle in the Champions League against Man City, who will become the ninth different English side they have faced in European competition. The Maroons have only won four of their previous 22 meetings with English clubs and most recently lost to Liverpool in the last 16 of the Europa League by an aggregate score of 11-2 last season.
Additionally, Farrell (2024) notes that manager Pep Guardiola may implement strategic rotations within his squad. The inclusion of players like Phil Foden and Jack Grealish could prove crucial for City's offensive strategy against Sparta Prague, who have shown resilience in their return to the Champions League after nearly two decades . With both teams currently holding four points in the group stage, this match promises an exciting contest that could significantly impact their progression in the tournament.
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