Champions League 2025-2026: Manchester City-Bayer Leverkusen, the likely lineups

Manchester City hosts Bayer Leverkusen in the fifth day of the Champions League. Kickoff at 9 p.m. at the Etihad Stadium. The Citizens arrive in high spirits after a clear victory over Borussia Dortmund, which handed them their third win in Europe and a solitary fourth position, just two points behind the top trio. Leverkusen can also smile: the away win over Benfica, their first in the tournament, revived the Aspirins, taking them into the play-off zone.

Guardiola will bet on Haaland in attack, with Cherki, Foden and Doku in support in the three-quarter. In midfield, the’former AC Milan man Reijnders with Nico Gonzalez, in defense the pair of Dias and Gvardiol in front of goalkeeper Donnarumma.

The team will be a team of two.

On the other side Hjulmand still has to clear some doubts. In attack Schick could start from the bench in favor of Kofane, while moving toward the confirmation of Tillman, paired with Echeverri in the three-quarter. Poku and Grimaldo outside midfield, defense headed by Bade.

Probable lineups

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland. Coach: Guardiola.

Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Quansah, Bade, Belocian; Poku, A. Garcia, Maza, Grimaldo; Tillman, Echeverri; Kofane. Coach: Hjulmand.

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