Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, have announced their roster for the upcoming Champions League clash against Villarreal.
As they prepare for the pivotal UEFA Champions League showdown at the Estadi de la Cerámica this Tuesday evening, City have finalized a 22-player squad to face the Spanish outfit.
Guardiola’s men travel to Spain aiming to extend their strong start in Europe, having secured four points from their opening two group stage matches. They began with a solid 2-0 triumph over Napoli and followed it up with a thrilling 2-2 draw on the road against Monaco.
At the forefront of their attack is the exceptional Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, whose goal-scoring brilliance remains vital as City look to keep their Champions League campaign on track. His clinical finishing will be crucial against a Villarreal side that has experienced a mixed start to their European fixtures.
Backing Haaland, the squad boasts versatile attackers like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and recent acquisition Omar Marmoush, who provide a dynamic attacking threat. Creative playmakers Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku add flair and unpredictability in the final third, while Brazilian winger Savinho and adaptable midfielder Matheus Nunes strengthen the squad’s depth.
On the defensive front, City depend on seasoned campaigners such as Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Nathan Ake. The lineup also includes the flexible full-back Josko Gvardiol and promising young defender Rico Lewis. Additionally, summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri offers further options in defense.
In midfield, the experienced Mateo Kovacic brings invaluable Champions League know-how, supported by rising stars Nico O’Reilly and Oscar Bobb, who inject creativity and energy into the central areas.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared among Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford, and Marcus Bettinelli, all selected for this critical fixture.
Meanwhile, Villarreal enter the match with just one point from their first two games, having suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham and a 1-1 draw at home against Juventus. The Spanish side will be desperate to secure their first win of the tournament on familiar turf.
The kickoff is scheduled for 20:00 UK time on Tuesday, 21 October, with Manchester City eager to strengthen their position in the group and move closer to the knockout rounds.
Manchester City’s 22-man squad for the Champions League clash
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford, Marcus Bettinelli
Defenders: Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rico Lewis
Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, Nico Gonzalez
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb