Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Desperately seeking an immediate Champions League response on Tuesday night, Manchester City will welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Etihad.
Manchester City
Starting with the hosts, suffering major frustration away at St. James’ Park over the weekend as they eventually marked their return from November’s international break with a 2-1 loss against Newcastle, Manchester City watched their Premier League title dreams take a real blow. However, heading into November’s fortnight interval with a routine 3-0 romp at home against Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s men will be excited to make a return to the Etihad here. Last seen in European action storming their way to a dominant 4-1 victory against Borussia Dortmund, Man City have certainly gained a fearsome reputation for their dominance on home soil. Getting their Champions League adventure underway with a 2-0 win against Napoli on September 18th, Guardiola’s superstar squad have won all of their previous seven consecutive showdowns at the Etihad by an aggregate score of 22-3.
Manchester City Team News
Dealing with yet another injury setback, Manchester City will once again be without midfield talisman Rodri on Tuesday night. Summer recruit Tijjani Reijnders could be handed an immediate full recall in the middle of the park and could replace former Porto star Nico Gonzalez.
Shattering a string of records this season and already notching five goals in his first four Champions League appearances, the red-hot Erling Haaland will spearhead Guardiola’s attack. Left as an unused substitute away at St. James’ Park over the weekend, England international John Stones could be handed a start at the back.
Bayer Leverkusen
As for the visitors, while Bayer Leverkusen might have opened the 2025/26 campaign in the midst of a public struggle, Die Werkself have come roaring back since Erik ten Hag’s public dismissal back in August. Marking their return from November’s international break with a sensational 3-1 victory away at Wolfsburg, Kasper Hjulmand’s men will be excited by a trip to the blue half of Manchester on Tuesday night. Heading into November’s fortnight interval with a dominant 6-0 romp against Heidenheim, Leverkusen have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Likewise, last seen in European action claiming a gritty 1-0 win against Portuguese giants Benfica, Hjulmand’s side will also be excited by their extended success on the road. In fact, Tuesday’s guests have won five of their last six showdowns away from the BayArena and they are capable of asking some serious questions here.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Not featuring since the middle of September, Argentinian international Exequiel Palacios remains on the sidelines with a groin issue and will once again miss out here. However, settling for a spot on the bench against Wolfsburg over the weekend, summer recruit and ex-Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah could be handed a full recall.
Opening his Champions League account after bagging the winner away at Benfica on November 5th, Czech Republic international Patrik Schick should keep his spot leading the line. Completing a permanent switch from Brentford over the summer, Mark Flekken will start between the sticks in Manchester.
Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen Key Factors to Consider
- Tuesday’s showdown at the Etihad will be the first meeting between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen.
- Man City have won all of their previous seven consecutive showdowns at the Etihad by an aggregate score of 22-3.
- The record-breaking Erling Haaland has registered five goals in his first four Champions League appearances.
- Bayer Leverkusen have won five of their previous six matchups away from the BayArena across all competitions.
- Leverkusen’s previous five appearances across all formats have produced 20 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Eventually falling to what could prove to be a costly 2-1 loss away at Newcastle over the weekend, Manchester City know the importance of claiming an essential immediate response here. Continuing to shine on home soil and winning each of their previous seven showdowns at the Etihad by an aggregate score of 22-3, Guardiola’s men will be desperate to avoid a potential European banana skin on Tuesday night. While Bayer Leverkusen might travel to Manchester pencilled in as a landslide underdog, the former German champions are more than capable of asking some questions.
Verdict: Manchester City win & Both teams to score
Best Odds: 13/8
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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