Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Despite Man City failing to win in three of their previous four games, they should win their second Champions League fixture against Slovan Bratislava with ease. City are unbeaten in their previous nine competitive fixtures. They have also won the first half of five of their last seven games, so expect them to get off to a quick start once more.

Their Slovakian opponents are without a clean sheet in their previous five, so look for City to enjoy a lot of success offensively. Pep Guardiola’s team have been impressive on their travels, winning six of their last seven competitive away fixtures. Expect goals in this game as Over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of their last six. City have averaged 2.3 goals per game in the Premier League so far – Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City

Champions League football returns as Manchester City travel to Slovakia to take on Slovan Bratislava in matchday two of the competition.

Date: 01/10/24

Kick-off time: 20:00

Venue: Tehelne Pole

Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to win their second Champions League in three seasons, and are once again fighting on all four fronts. It has been a strong start to the season for the Premier League champions, as they have yet to be beaten, but their last two league games has seen them pick up just two points. The first was a 2-2 draw with title rivals Arsenal, with their undefeated start salvaged at the death. They dropped points again at the weekend, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Newcastle.

It was a similar story in their opening European fixture, as they could not breach the Inter Milan defence in a goalless affair. However, they should be confident in picking up maximum points at Slovan Bratislava. Whilst it will not have a profound effect in this game, the news that Rodri will be sidelined for the season with an ACL tear is a crushing blow for City moving forward. The absence of the Spaniard alongside Kevin De Bruyne, who has missed the last two games, has contributed to their recent struggles.

They will be facing a Slovan Bratislava side who top the Slovakian league. They lead the way with 21 points from eight games with just one defeat. However, although they are dominant domestically, this will be by far the biggest test they will face this season. Their first Champions League game ended in heavy defeat, as they lost 5-1 at Celtic. This should signal a comfortable evening for City.

If Bratislava are to threaten, they will look to winger Tigran Barseghyan, who has netted seven times already this season. Likely coming up against a rotated lineup, the Slovakians could take advantage of any vulnerability at the back. Although, it is their own defence who will have the most issues. No matter the forward line City put out, it will be extremely difficult for the hosts to deal with. Bratislava have conceded 11 in the league so far, in addition to the five allowed vs Celtic.

This will be the first ever meeting between these two sides in any competition. Bratislava do have experience facing English opposition, however, though they have won just two of 12 fixtures. They have drawn two and lost eight, including a five-game losing streak. Their two victories came against Derby and Tottenham, in the European Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup respectively. City have never faced Slovakian opposition before.

Slovan Bratislava vs Man City will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1.

Slovan Bratislava

Defender Lukas Pauschek is out with a shoulder injury, with a potential return in mid-October. They should have a fully fit squad to choose from otherwise.

Man City

Rodri is out for the season with an ACL injury. Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt having missed the last two league games. Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are longer term absentees.

Slovan Bratislava:

In their last five games, Slovan Bratislava have won four and lost one. It has been a very dominant stretch for the Slovakian side, though their one defeat did come in Europe. They started this run with a 2-1 win away from home against Dunajska. However, they had to come from behind, and they did so with a brace from Tigran Barseghyan. This included an 89th minute winner from the penalty spot.

Bratislava’s only defeat of this stretch came at Celtic in the Champions League. They had managed to keep the deficit at one heading into the break, but conceded twice shortly after the restart. Kevin Wimmer scored to make it 3-1, though two more late goals sealed the win for the Scottish side.

They returned to league action with another 2-1 victory, this time at home to Ruzomberok. Robert Mak and an own goal saw them score either side of an equaliser for the visitors. A 6-1 victory at Belusa sent them safely through to the fourth round of the Slovak Cup. Their most recent fixture was a 4-2 win away at Michalovce. Once again they fell behind, but turned it around thanks to Barseghyan, David Strelec (x2) and Zuberu Sharani.

Manchester City:

In their last five games, Man City have won two and drawn three. It has been a good start to the season for the Premier League champions. This run started with a 2-1 home win against Brentford. They were shocked early as the Bees took the lead after just 22 seconds. Though they were not behind for long as Haaland equalised on the 19th minute mark. He scored again shortly after to complete the turnaround for three points.

The first Champions League action of the campaign followed as they hosted Inter Milan. Defences were on top in this one with the sides playing out a goalless draw. In the biggest clash of the season so far, City faced Arsenal in a huge early season top of the table fixture. Pep Guardiola’s team salvaged their unbeaten start with a last minute John Stones equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

Attention shifted to the EFL Cup with a tie at home to Watford. They advanced with a 2-1 win with goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes. At the weekend, they made a tricky trip to Newcastle. They were held to a 1-1 draw after Josko Gvardiol’s opener was cancelled out by a second half Anthony Gordon penalty.

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