Manchester City find themselves in a precarious position for the final matchday of the Champions League’s league phase, as anything less than victory against Galatasaray could force them into the play-off rounds.
Pep Guardiola’s side is currently navigating its most turbulent period of the season. They suffered back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt recently. While the Citizens occupy 11th place, their defensive fragility has been exposed lately. They notably conceded three goals from fast breaks in their last European outing. Galatasaray have already proven their giant-killing credentials this term. They defeated Liverpool 1–0 and boast a clinical striker in Victor Osimhen.
Manchester City vs Galatasaray – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: Alejandro Hernández (ESP)
- VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
- Last Meeting: This is the first competitive meeting between the clubs
Team News
Manchester City
The Citizens are grappling with a defensive crisis at the Etihad. Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and John Stones all remain sidelined. New signing Marc Guéhi is ineligible for this phase, as is Antoine Semenyo. Midfield anchor Rodri is also serving a one-match suspension. Mateo Kovačić, Oscar Bobb, and Savinho are confirmed absentees. A late decision will be made on the fitness of Nico González.
Galatasaray
Okan Buruk’s squad arrives in Manchester with fewer fitness concerns. However, they will be without Wilfried Singo and Enes Buyuk. Arda Unyay and Metehan Baltaci are also ruled out through injury or suspension. New arrival Yaser Asprilla cannot be registered for this stage. Victor Osimhen is fit and expected to lead the attack once again.
Form
Manchester City
City lost their last European home game 2–0 to Bayer Leverkusen. However, they have never lost back-to-back home games in the league phase. Their current side is the youngest ever in their Champions League history. It has an average age of just 25 years and 140 days. Erling Haaland remains a massive threat at this stadium. He has scored 21 goals in 18 home appearances for the club in this competition.
Galatasaray
The Turkish side is unbeaten in their last three meetings with English opponents. This run includes a famous victory over Liverpool earlier this season. Davinson Sánchez has set a club record for clearances in a single campaign. He has recorded 48 total clearances so far. Victor Osimhen enters the game in clinical form. The forward has netted six goals in five European games this season.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, O’Reilly; Cherki, Foden; Lewis, Silva, Doku; Haaland
Galatasaray Predicted XI: Cakir; Sallai, Bardakci, Sanchez, Jakobs; Lemina, Torreira; Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz; Osimhen
How to watch Manchester City vs Galatasaray?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Prime Video. Additional coverage is available via TNT Sports 6 and the discovery+ app.
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