Manchester City vs Sparta Prague – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Manchester City host Sparta Prague on Wednesday night as both teams look to extend their unbeaten starts in the Champions League.

It will be the first time the two sides have met and the contest should be an intriguing one after strong starts for each in Europe.

Nathan Ake could be included for the Citizens after making his return to the squad from injury as an unused substitute in the weekend win at Wolves.

The Dutchman has recovered from a hamstring problem sustained whilst on international duty with the Netherlands in September.

However, Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne are expected to miss out as they continue their recoveries from their respective issues. The latter has returned to training, but Pep Guardiola has stated the Belgian will not be rushed back.

Manchester City vs Sparta Prague – Match Preview and Team News

Form

Manchester City: WDWWW

Pep Guardiola and his players have adapted to several injuries this campaign to remain unbeaten in all competitions.

At the weekend, they claimed a 2-1 victory over Wolves in the dying embers courtesy of a John Stones header in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

In the Champions League, they are yet to concede a goal. City played out a goalless draw with Inter Milan on matchday one before sweeping aside Slovan Bratislava 4-0 prior to the international break.

If defeat is avoided against Sparta, City will set a new record for the longest unbeaten run in Champions League history, at 26 matches.

Sparta Prague: WLDLW

Sparta Prague have caught the eye in the Champions League after collecting four points from a possible six.

The Czech champions beat Red Bull Salzburg on opening night in a 3-0 demolition, securing a first Champions League win for over two decades.

Lars Friis’s side then battled to take a point at Stuttgart, with Kaan Kairinen arrowing a brilliant free-kick into the top corner in Germany.

Their exertions in Europe’s top competition have seen their league form suffer slightly, however, with Sparta trailing fierce rivals Slavia Prague by six points after 11 games.

That is already considerable ground to make up, given Sparta edged out Slavia in last season’s title race by just two points.

Last Meeting: N/A

Manchester City have never met Sparta Prague in a competitive game.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City: Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Nunes, Silva; Foden, Grealish, Haaland.

Sparta Prague: Vindahl; Vitik, Panak, Zeleny; Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Wiesner; Birmancevic, Rrahmani, Haraslin

Who is the referee?

Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will be the match official. He will be assisted by Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni while Andrea Colombo will be the fourth official. The VAR is Aleandro Di Paolo and he will be assisted by Valero Marini.

What channel is Manchester City vs Sparta Prague on?

The clash between the Premier League champions and the Czech champions will be available to watch on TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports Ultimate and Discovery+.

What time is kick off?

Kick-off at the Etihad Stadium will be at 20:00 BST on Wednesday 23rd October 2024.

Odds

Manchester City – 1/16

Draw – 10/1

Sparta Prague – 28/1

Read – Champions League highlights: Stunning Real comeback, Villa roll on, Pulisic’s Olimpico

See more – The longest unbeaten runs in Champions League history

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