Manchester City will resume their UEFA Champions League campaign with a trip to Spain’s east coast as they face Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica on Tuesday night. This fixture marks City’s return to European competition after the October international break.
Pep Guardiola’s side come into the match full of confidence following a 2-0 home win over Everton, courtesy of a quickfire Erling Haaland brace. The result pushed City temporarily to the top of the Premier League and added momentum heading into their European challenge.
However, City’s last outing in the Champions League ended in disappointment. A late penalty by Eric Dier saw AS Monaco snatch a win, despite City dominating possession and missing multiple chances. The team will look to bounce back against Villarreal.
Villarreal, currently third in La Liga behind giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, have struggled in Europe so far this season with just one point from two games. Nonetheless, the Yellow Submarine remain a dangerous opponent, having reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2021/22.
Predicted Manchester City Starting XI
Based on recent form, injury updates, and squad rotation, here’s our prediction for Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up against Villarreal:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma – The Italian has only conceded four goals in eight matches and is in fine form.
- Right-back: Matheus Nunes – With Khusanov still sidelined, Nunes impressed in his last outing.
- Centre-backs: Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol – Dias remains a pillar of consistency, while Gvardiol is expected to return after a rest.
- Left-back: Nico O’Reilly – The academy product continues to impress and may get another start.
- Defensive Midfield: Nico O’Reilly – Standing in for the injured Rodri, he’s thriving in a deep role.
- Midfield: Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden – This dynamic duo has been key to City’s unbeaten run since August.
- Wingers: Jeremy Doku (left), Bernardo Silva (right) – Doku’s pace and Bernardo’s experience will be vital.
- Striker: Erling Haaland – With 14 goals in 10 appearances, he’s an automatic starter.
Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Nico, Reijnders, Foden; Bernardo, Haaland, Doku.
Substitutes: Trafford, Bettinelli, Lewis, Stones, Ake, Ait-Nouri, Kovacic, Cherki, Savinho, Bobb, Marmoush.
FAQs
When is the Villarreal vs Manchester City match?
The match is scheduled for Tuesday night, following the October international break.
Where is the game being played?
The fixture will take place at Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal’s home stadium in Spain.
Why is Donnarumma expected to start over other goalkeepers?
Donnarumma has been in exceptional form, conceding just four goals in eight matches, making him the logical choice in goal.
What is the injury status of key Manchester City players?
Rodri is still out injured, while Abdukodir Khusanov remains sidelined. Gvardiol is expected to return after being rested.
How has Villarreal performed in Europe this season?
They’ve struggled, earning just one point from their first two Champions League group games, but remain a strong side domestically.
Conclusion
Manchester City will look to reassert their dominance in the Champions League with a strong performance away to Villarreal. With key players like Haaland, Foden, and Donnarumma in top form, and a well-balanced squad, Pep Guardiola’s men will be aiming for nothing less than three points in Spain. However, Villarreal’s resilience, especially at home, means City must be at their best to avoid another European setback.
