Manchester City faces a crucial final match in the Champions League group stage. A win against Galatasaray is essential to avoid moving to the playoff rounds.
Pep Guardiola’s team is currently experiencing a tough stretch, having lost to both Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt recently. Currently placed 11th, their defense has shown vulnerabilities, notably allowing three goals from quick counter-attacks in their last European match. Galatasaray has demonstrated their strength this season, with a notable 1–0 win against Liverpool and a strong striker in Victor Osimhen.
Manchester City vs Galatasaray – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Referee: Alejandro Hernández (ESP)
- VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
- Last Meeting: This is the first competitive match between these clubs
Team News
Manchester City
City is dealing with a defensive crisis, with Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol, and John Stones unavailable. New signing Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo are also ineligible. Midfielder Rodri will miss the match due to suspension. Mateo Kovačić, Oscar Bobb, and Savinho are confirmed absentees, while Nico González’s fitness will be evaluated closer to the match.
Galatasaray
Galatasaray arrives with fewer injury issues but will be without Wilfried Singo and Enes Buyuk. Arda Unyay and Metehan Baltaci are also unavailable due to injury or suspension. Victor Osimhen is fit and ready to lead their attack.
Form
Manchester City
City lost their previous home game in Europe 2–0 to Bayer Leverkusen but has never lost consecutive home games in the group stage. This season’s squad is the youngest in their Champions League history, averaging just 25 years old. Erling Haaland continues to be a key player, scoring 21 goals in 18 home games in this competition.
Galatasaray
The Turkish club is unbeaten in their last three matches against English teams, including a significant victory over Liverpool this season. Davinson Sánchez has achieved a club record with 48 clearances. Victor Osimhen is entering the match in strong form, having scored six goals in five European matches this season.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, O’Reilly; Cherki, Foden; Lewis, Silva, Doku; Haaland
Galatasaray Predicted XI: Cakir; Sallai, Bardakci, Sanchez, Jakobs; Lemina, Torreira; Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz; Osimhen
How to watch Manchester City vs Galatasaray?
In the UK, viewers can watch the match live on Prime Video, with additional coverage on TNT Sports 6 and the discovery+ app.
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