Overview
- Kick-off is 8:00 pm GMT at the Etihad Stadium, with live coverage on TNT Sports/discovery+ in the UK and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.
- Manchester City enter fourth in the league phase with 10 points and a dominant home record against German sides, and bookmakers rate them strong favorites after a weekend league setback.
- City confirm Mateo Kovačić is unavailable and Rodri is a doubt with a hamstring issue, with local reports expecting some rotation in defence and midfield.
- Leverkusen travel without suspended pair Robert Andrich and Edmond Tapsoba and have multiple injury absences, sitting 21st in the league phase despite improved domestic form under Kasper Hjulmand.
- Erling Haaland could make his 50th Champions League start, with his 50 goals already the most by any player across their first 50 starts in the competition.