Manchester City will take the field against Bayer Leverkusen without their star striker Erling Haaland, as manager Pep Guardiola opts to rest several key players. This decision comes as City looks to rotate its squad following their recent league defeat against Newcastle United.
Haaland, who has scored in all four of City’s Champions League matches this season, will start on the bench. Guardiola is making significant changes to the lineup, with ten adjustments made from their last league appearance. In a strategic move for his 100th Champions League match as the City coach, he also gives a break to first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and several other prominent players.
Among those being rested are Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Rayan Cherki, while former Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush will take over the striker position in Haaland’s absence.
Bayer Leverkusen, who have been dealing with multiple injuries, will field what they believe is their strongest side, buoyed by their recent victory over Benfica Lisbon. With City remaining unbeaten in the group stage thus far, the matchup promises to be an interesting contest as both teams seek to secure a vital win.
This strategic decision by Guardiola underscores the tactical depth of Manchester City, while offering Leverkusen an opportunity to capitalize on a slightly altered City squad. The anticipation builds as both teams prepare for what is expected to be a captivating Champions League encounter.