Manchester City return to UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday when they play host to Sparta Prague at the Etihad Stadium.

Although not the most convincing performance, City came away 2-1 at the top against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League thanks to a late goal from centre-back John Stones. Pep Guardiola’s team does not look as complete as it did with star midfielder Rodri, while Kevin De Bruyne is close to returning after a groin injury.

After a flat 0-0 draw at home to Inter Milan in the Champions League opener, City responded with a 4-0 hammering of ŠK Slovan Bratislava away from home in its first European victory of the 2024-2025 season. Guardiola cannot call on veteran defender Kyle Walker as he deals with a thigh injury, while De Bruyne’s status remains up in the air. However, City have more than enough to still get the job done comfortably at home.

Here’s how Guardiola could perform at home against Sparta Prague.

GK: Stefan Ortega—Against Bratislava, Guardiola gave Ortega minutes in goal as City kept a clean sheet. He could very well do the same against Sparta to give Ederson a rest.

RB: Rico LewisWith Walker out due to injury, Lewis gets the nod as right back.

CB: Manuel Akanji—The Swiss centre-back watched from the bench as a substitute for Wolves and should slot straight into the backline.

CB: Nathan Ake—Aké appears to have recovered from his hamstring injury sustained during international duty in September. The 29-year-old was on the bench against Wolves against City but did not feature, meaning he could get the nod alongside Akanji in a less intense game at home.

LB: Joško GvardiolThe versatile defender will retain his place at left-back and will aim to score another banger from long range, as he did against Wolves.

DM: Matheus NunesNunes could get a rare start in a City shirt, which would be his first since the dominant win against Bratislava on October 1.

DM: Mateo KovačićThe 30-year-old is probably the closest Rodri replacement City have, meaning Guardiola will see him feature in most, if not all, of City’s matches.

RW: Phil FodenGuardiola could give Foden valuable minutes to keep him sharp if he calls on him to start more in the Premier League.

AM: James McAtee—The young midfielder could take on City’s chance-creating duties as a No. 10 just behind Haaland.

LW: Jack Grealish—Grealish is still looking for his first City goal of the season and could open his account for 2024-2025 against inferior opponents.

ST: Erling Haaland—The Norwegian striker will be keen to find the back of the net after being blank in his last two games for City.

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