After Real Madrid spoiled Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League title last year, Pep Guardiola and Co. are again in the fight to reclaim the European throne. However, the Manchester club failed to start strongly, as a draw against Inter Milan pushed them to the 16th spot in the League table. After settling for a draw in their last Premier League game against Newcastle United, the Citizens’ next action comes from Slovakia. Fresh off a 5-1 loss in its UCL opener against Celtic, Slovan Bratislava is all set to host the reigning English champs on Tuesday night.

The Slovakian club is currently the last seed in the UCL table, adding more fuel to Manchester City’s advantage. However, Slovan is in top form in the domestic league with three straight wins and 12 goals between those games. Moreover, Slovan Bratislava boasts an impressive home record, winning seven out of their last eight home games.

Before the City-Slovan showdown unfolds, let’s see what’s happening with the two teams concerning injuries and their squad.

Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City: Team news and injuries

Slovan Bratislava: The Slovakian side has defender Lukas Pauschek and forward Adler Da Silva on their injury list. Pauschek is expected to return on October 08, after the UCL tie against Manchester City. Defender Kenan Bajric could also miss out on the City game, as he has not started for Slovan in its recent games.

Manchester City: Pep Guardiola‘s side is riddled with injuries. Ace midfielder and UEFA Euro winner Rodri has to undergo knee surgery and will probably sit out the remainder of the season. Midfield veteran Kevin De Bruyne contracted an injury during City’s last UCL tie against Inter Milan and has missed three games since then. Guardiola believes that the Belgian will return after the international break. Meanwhile, Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake will also miss the Slovan game to nurse injuries.

Besides, the Spanish coach doubts as to how long he and the Sky Blues could depend on star striker Erling Haaland. Guardiola confirmed that the Norwegian took multiple knocks during the City-Newcastle game. So, Haaland’s feature seems a game-time decision for the Spaniard.

Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City: Expected lineups

Slovan Bratislava starting XI [4-2-1-3]: Dominic Takac; Cesar Blackman, Guram Kashia, Kevin Wimmer, Jurij Medvedev; Juraj Kucka, Danylo Ignatenko, Marco Tolic; Tigran Barseghyan, David Strelec, Vladimir Weiss Jr.

Manchester City starting XI [4-2-3-1]: Stefan Ortega; Rico Lewis, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol; Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic; Savinho, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku; Erling Haaland.

Slovan vs City: H2H and predictions

Tuesday night’s clash will be the first meeting between the Slovakian side and Manchester City. City’s boasts better Champions League experience than Slovan Bratislava, who took a 5-1 beating in its CL opener. Besides, Guardiola’s side has yet to face a defeat this season. So, we predict Man City to win 3-1 on Tuesday.

Where to watch the UCL game?

The Manchester City-Slovan Bratislava game will kick off on Tuesday, 3 PM EST, at the Tehelne Pole in the Slovakian capital. Fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports and Discovery+.

Sound off your predictions for the match in the comments below.