Manchester City will look to extend their unbeaten run to start the season on Wednesday when they host Sparta Praha in UEFA Champions League action. The 2023 champions sit eighth in the league phase table after two games with four points, the same number of points as Wednesday’s opponent. Though Sparta Praha will have a chance to show their might after a notable 3-0 win over RB Salzburg on Matchday 1 and a 1-1 draw with Stuttgart on Matchday 2, City will be favored to win comfortably as they eye another deep run in the competition.
Here’s what you need to know before tuning in.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Etihad Stadium — Manchester, England
- Watch: Paramount+
- Odds: Manchester City -1200; Draw +1200; Sparta Praha +3100
Storylines
Manchester City are still picking up all the points expected of them but Pep Guardiola’s side do not look as dominant as they have in years past, as Sunday’s come-from-behind 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers demonstrates. It could be down to a number of factors including Rodri’s absence after he tore his ACL a month ago and the fatigue of fixture congestion for an aging squad, but the margins of victory are becoming tighter and the performances are more imperfect than usual.
That does mean City should necessarily be underestimated since they still come out on top more often than not. The team’s strength remains its depth, which Guardiola could highlight on Wednesday as he navigates another jam-packed schedule. Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, for example, could see increased roles after coming off the bench on Sunday, though Guardiola will likely stick by Erling Haaland as he enjoys another high-scoring season for the English champions.
Predicted lineup
Manchester City: Ortega, Lewis, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol, Nunes, Gundogan, Doku, Foden, Savio, Haaland
Prediction
City may have issues, but they are unlikely to stop them from winning all three points on Wednesday. Regardless of the personnel Guardiola goes with, expect a lopsided victory for the hosts as they continue their unbeaten streak. Pick: Manchester City 3, Sparta Praha 0
