Manchester City return to the UEFA Champions League and host Sparta Prague at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Although it wasn’t the most convincing performance, City beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 in the Premier League thanks to a late goal from centre-back John Stones. Pep Guardiola’s team doesn’t look as complete as it did with star midfielder Rodri, while Kevin De Bruyne is just a few steps away from returning after a groin injury.

After a 0-0 draw at home against Inter Milan on the first Champions League matchday, City responded with a 4-0 away win against ŠK Slovan Bratislava and their first European Cup win of the 2024-25 season. Guardiola cannot call on experienced defender Kyle Walker as he struggles with a hamstring injury, while De Bruyne’s status remains uncertain. However, City has more than enough to get the job done in the comfort of your own home.

Guardiola could play at home against Sparta Prague.

GK: Stefan Ortega– Against Bratislava, Guardiola gave Ortega minutes in goal while City kept a clean sheet. He could well do the same again against Sparta to give Ederson a break.

RB: Rico Lewis– With Walker out due to injury, Lewis takes over the right-back position.

CB: Manuel Akanji—The Swiss central defender watched from the bench as a substitute for Wolves and was expected to slot straight into the defensive line.

CB: Nathan Aké—Aké appears to have recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained during international play in September. The 29-year-old was on the City bench against Wolves but did not feature, meaning he could be used alongside Akanji in a less intense home game.

Moderator: Joško Gvardiol– The versatile defender retains his spot at left-back and aims to score another long-range shot like he did against Wolves.

DM: Matheus Nunes– Nunes could be handed a rare start in a City jersey – it would be his first since the comfortable win against Bratislava on October 1st.

DM: Mateo Kovačić– The 30-year-old is probably the closest Rodri replacement City have, meaning Guardiola will use him in most, if not all, of City’s games.

RW: Phil Foden– Guardiola could look to give Foden valuable minutes to keep him fit if he asks him to start more in the Premier League.

AM: James McAtee– The young midfielder could take on the task of creating chances for City as number 10, directly behind Haaland.

LW: Jack Grealish– Grealish is still looking for his first City goal of the season and could open his account for 2024-25 against inferior opponents.

ST: Erling Haaland– The Norwegian striker will be eager to score after failing to score in his last two games for City.

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