Man City Clash with Bayer Leverkusen: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Manchester City resume their Champions League journey at the Etihad on Tuesday evening, facing German side Bayer Leverkusen in what will be their inaugural encounter.

City's strong beginning to the league phase was enhanced by a commanding 4–1 triumph over Borussia Dortmund prior to the November international break, and their following victory against Premier League titleholders Liverpool persuaded many that Pep Guardiola's team were regaining their unstoppable rhythm.

Nevertheless, the Citizens were outplayed by Newcastle United over the weekend, suffering a 2–1 defeat. Arsenal's dominant performance in the North London Derby less than 24 hours afterwards means the Gunners now hold a six-point advantage at the top, with City sitting in third place.

Guardiola's squad return to familiar territory in midweek, however, and their fourth victory of the league phase would position them excellently for a top eight placement with three matches remaining.

Leverkusen certainly made the correct decision by replacing Erik ten Hag with Kasper Hjulmand on the touchline, with the 2023–24 Bundesliga winners climbing to third in the German premier division after defeating Wolfsburg 3–1 over the weekend.

Nevertheless, their inaugural victory in this tournament didn't materialize until Matchday 4, when they claimed a hard-fought win over Benfica, placing them on five points.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Tuesday's Champions League encounter.

What Time Does Man City vs. Bayer Leverkusen Kick-Off?

Man City vs. Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head Record

This marks the inaugural competitive fixture between Man City and Bayer Leverkusen.

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Man City vs. Bayer Leverkusen on TV, Live Stream

Man City Team News

Guardiola selected an unchanged lineup over the weekend, but the Spanish manager will almost certainly modify his starting eleven for Leverkusen's arrival.

The home side remain without midfield players Mateo Kovačić and Rodri, while the overlooked Kalvin Phillips was also missing from training sessions leading up to Tuesday's match.

Rico Lewis was excluded from Saturday's matchday roster but will return to availability here, though Abdukodir Khusanov might enter the team and feature at right-back.

There could also be comebacks for John Stones, Tijjani Reijnders and Omar Marmoush.

Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Man City predicted lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Stones; Bobb, Reijnders, Foden, Marmoush; Haaland.

Bayer Leverkusen Team News

Bayer Leverkusen face several significant absences for their journey to Manchester, with Robert Andrich and Edmond Tapsoba both serving suspensions. Andrich received a red card for violent behavior in Matchday 3 against Paris Saint-Germain, while Tapsoba will complete a one-match suspension after accumulating three yellow cards in this tournament.

The away team are also missing Lucas Vázquez, who transferred to the club from Real Madrid during the summer, due to injury. Arthur and Equi Fernández are aiming for comebacks next month.

Exequiel Palacios's groin problem will sideline him until the new year. Hjulmand is also monitoring Alejandro Grimaldo after the wing-back returned from international service with muscular tightness.

Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup vs. Man City

Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup vs. Man City (3-4-2-1): Flekken; Quansah, Badé, Belocian; Poku, García, Maza, Grimaldo; Tella, Tillman; Schick.

Man City vs. Bayer Leverkusen Score Prediction

City must begin securing significant victories in challenging away fixtures again if they're to restore their commanding form, but they appear settled on familiar ground.

Hjulmand has experienced a superb beginning to his time with Die Werkself, but the Danish manager faces too many challenges to overcome on Tuesday evening. This would have been a demanding task with a completely fit and available squad, but the visitors are missing several crucial team members for their visit to the Etihad.

Therefore, we can only envision a convincing City victory.

Prediction: Man City 3–0 Bayer Leverkusen