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Manchester City Looking to Recover After Champions League Stumble

After a disappointing mid-week defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester City enter the weekend knowing they must steady themselves quickly if they want to maintain momentum across all competitions. The loss exposed issues in squad rotation and tactical balance, something manager Pep Guardiola openly acknowledged in post-match comments.

Rotation Backfires

Guardiola opted for several changes to rest key players, but the shift disrupted City’s usual rhythm. Leverkusen capitalized on defensive gaps, handing City a rare Champions League setback. Guardiola admitted the lineup “lacked sharpness” and hinted that he may rely more heavily on his established starters in the coming fixtures.

Premier League Now the Immediate Priority

With a congested schedule ahead, City turn their focus back to the Premier League. Falling further behind the league leaders is not an option, especially with rivals strengthening form. The upcoming match offers City an opportunity to reset, but also carries pressure — anything less than three points could deepen scrutiny of the team’s November dip.

Key Players Expected to Return

Star striker Erling Haaland, along with creative anchors Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, are all expected to start. Their presence should restore City’s attacking fluidity, which looked disjointed during the Champions League loss.

Bigger Picture Still Positive

Despite the setback, Manchester City remain contenders in every competition they’re involved in. Guardiola emphasized that the season is long, and challenges like this are normal for a team competing across four fronts. Still, the next match has become more than just another league fixture — it’s a test of City’s resilience, depth, and ability to respond when their dominance is questioned.

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