Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City Prediction & Betting Tips (1 October)

Passing the challenge of the four preliminary rounds of the Champions League, Slovan Bratislava very clearly deserves its place in the most prestigious of European competitions. Nevertheless, it is clear that the level is going up a notch and its heavy defeat on the pitch of Celtic Glasgow during J1 5-1 could ultimately only be a warning for the matches to come. This evening, the task promises to be very difficult against City. The Slovaks outrageously dominate on the national scene, as evidenced by the 6 titles won during the 6 previous years. This season, they are at the top of the standings with a record of 7 wins and 1 loss. Humiliated at home by its runner-up Zilina at the start of September 5-0, Slovan Bratislava has since reacted by beating Dunedin Steda 1-2, Ruzomberok 2-1 and Michalovce last Friday 2-4. It is obvious that we take the time to properly present Manchester City's opponent. On the other hand, for the Skyblues, there's no need to spend hours there.

Reference for several seasons in Europe and above all winner of their first Champions League two years ago, the Cityzens are in a state of revenge following their elimination in the quarter-finals of the LDC last year against the future winner, Real Madrid. As part of the first day, Pep Guardiola's men hosted Inter Milan in a sort of "remake" of the 2023 final. Despite the support of their fans, they came up against the Nerazzurri defense 0-0. In the Premier League, the four-time reigning champion is logically considered the big favorite. The Skyblues won during the first 4 days. On the other hand, they have dropped points since with draws conceded against Arsenal 2-2 and Newcastle last weekend 1-1. 

Absent from the trip to Celtic Park on the first day, striker Adler (absent from the field since April) and starting defender Pauschek (injury contracted in summer preparation) will still be OUT for the reception of the Mancunian ogre. Withdrawal last weekend, starting central defender Bajric is uncertain. Author of 7 goals and top scorer in the Slovak elite, winger Barseghyan will be there as will Strelec (4 goals in the league) without forgetting to mention the altruistic Gajdos (1 pawn, 3 assists in the elite). Arriving from Bordeaux this summer, defensive midfielder Ignatenko should start again this Tuesday alongside the experienced Kucka who passed through Milan. For this meeting, Manchester City is still not sure of being able to count on its playing master De Bruyne.

Furthermore, announced as one of the main contenders for the Ballon d'Or this year, Rodri suffered a cruciate ligament rupture against the Gunners. Also note the injuries to Dutch international Aké and promising winger Bobb. Erling Haaland does not get injured and continues to panic the scorers by becoming the 2nd player in history to reach 100 goals the fastest with a club (105 matches) tied with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo (100 goals in 105 matches with Real Madrid). Bernardo Silva, Foden, Doku, Grealish will also be traveling like rookie Savinho, which allows Guardiola to have reliable options even off the bench to make a difference.