Manchester City will aim to bounce back from a domestic setback and solidify their place in the Champions League top eight when they host Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side are fresh off a disappointing league loss to Newcastle United. However, their European form has been imperious, with the team unbeaten in their last 23 home group stage matches. They face a rejuvenated Leverkusen side that has won six of their last seven Bundesliga games.
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2025
- Kick-off: 8:00 pm GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: João Pinheiro
- VAR: Tiago Martins
- Last Meeting: First competitive meeting.
Team News
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola continues to manage without key midfielder Rodri, who is a major doubt with a hamstring problem. Mateo Kovačić remains a long-term absentee with an ankle injury. Consequently, the manager is expected to rotate his squad, with John Stones and Tijjani Reijnders pushing for starts. Erling Haaland will lead the line, looking to add to his record-breaking Champions League tally.
Bayer Leverkusen
Kasper Hjulmand faces a midfield crisis for the trip to Manchester. Robert Andrich is suspended, while Equi Fernandez and Exequiel Palacios are injured. Furthermore, Ibrahim Maza is a doubt after picking up a knock at the weekend. This could open the door for Manchester City loanee Claudio Echeverri to start against his parent club. In defence, Edmond Tapsoba is suspended, meaning Jarell Quansah is likely to start.
Form Guide
Manchester City
Newcastle United snapped City’s four-match winning streak with a 2-1 victory on Saturday. Despite this, Guardiola’s men remain a formidable force at home. Impressively, they have defeated German opposition in their last 13 Champions League home games, scoring 49 goals in the process. Moreover, they currently sit fourth in the league phase table, well-positioned for automatic qualification.
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen have been revitalised under Hjulmand, winning seven of their last nine matches in all competitions. They sit second in the Bundesliga after a 3-1 win over Wolfsburg. In Europe, they secured a vital 1-0 win at Benfica in their last outing. However, they have a poor record in England, having lost eight of their 10 Champions League away games against English sides.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Stones, Gvardiol, Aït-Nouri; González; Savinho, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Bayer Leverkusen predicted XI: Flekken; Belocian, Badé, Quansah; Tella, Maza, García, Grimaldo; Tillman, Poku; Schick
How to watch Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 7:00 pm GMT.
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