Manchester Metropolis want to consolidate their place within the Champions League high eight once they tackle Bodo/Glimt in Norway later tonight.
Pep Guardiola’s troops have struggled to hit their stride for the reason that flip of the brand new yr. The Cityzens have claimed simply two wins from their opening six video games of 2026 (D3, L1).
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Three consecutive Premier League attracts in opposition to Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton & Hove Albion marked the beginning of an underwhelming run of kind.
Metropolis appear to have recaptured their mojo after obliterating League One aspect Exeter Metropolis 10-1 within the FA Cup third spherical and following that up with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United within the EFL Cup.
Nonetheless, they have been dealt a brutal actuality test once they suffered a 2-0 defeat in opposition to fierce rivals Manchester United at Previous Trafford on their return to Premier League duties.
Guardiola will hope a break from home duties gives his aspect some reprieve, with Metropolis going into the Champions League contest as heavy favourites.
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They’ve fared higher on the continental stage, successful 4 of their six League Section video games (D1, L1).
One other victory will take them one step nearer to securing a top-eight end.
Nonetheless, one other defeat can be catastrophic, with only one level separating them from ninth-placed Liverpool, whereas Fifteenth-placed Barcelona are simply three factors behind.
How Man Metropolis might line up
Regardless of the calibre of opponent they’re dealing with, the stakes are nonetheless excessive for Guardiola and his troops.
Nonetheless, the Spanish tactician must navigate a troublesome state of affairs with as much as 10 gamers set to overlook the Champions League outing for a number of causes, together with damage.
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Working with a skinny squad might see Guardiola flip to the academy for reinforcements, however a number of first-team stars ought to retain their locations within the XI.
Gianluigi Donnarumma ought to begin in purpose forward of .
Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne ought to proceed their newfound partnership in defence alongside Rico Lewis and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Tijjani Reijnders could possibly be tasked with anchoring the midfield whereas Divine Mukasa makes his Champions League debut in assault alongside Nico O’Reilly, Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku.
Per regular, Erling Braut Haaland will doubtless lead the road.