Enzo Maresca in action for Manchester City in 2026

Man City predicted XI vs RB Leipzig: Foden and Cherki tipped to start as Semenyo misses out

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Nov 3, 2026, 2:19 pm
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Image: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo

Manchester City travel to RB Leipzig for Wednesday's Champions League clash with an almost fully fit squad, although Enzo Maresca faces several selection decisions.

City are looking to recover from Saturday's 1-0 Premier League defeat against Brighton, with Erling Haaland expected to lead the attack.

Antoine Semenyo remains their only confirmed first-team injury absentee.

Manchester City injury latest

Semenyo continues recovering from the knee injury he suffered against Ipswich Town on 17 October.

The Ghana international has missed four consecutive matches and is expected to remain sidelined until December.

Youngsters Ryan McAidoo and Kaden Braithwaite were reportedly absent from Tuesday's training session, although neither has been confirmed as injured.

Otherwise, Maresca has several options available for the trip to Germany.

Donnarumma faces competition from Rulli

Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to retain his starting position despite recent criticism of his performances.

However, Maresca has previously emphasised that selection depends on form.

"There is no player that is undroppable," the City manager explained.

Geronimo Rulli impressed during City's Carabao Cup victory over Brighton, but Donnarumma remains the favourite to start.

Foden and Cherki expected to feature

Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are both pushing for recalls after beginning Saturday's defeat on the bench.

Foden could operate from the right, with Cherki occupying the central attacking midfield position behind Haaland.

Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly are also competing for defensive starting places.

Ayyoub Bouaddi could make way if Maresca restores Cherki, while Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez are candidates to form the deeper midfield partnership.

Predicted Manchester City XI vs RB Leipzig

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Donnarumma

Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly

Midfielders: Anderson, Enzo Fernandez

Attacking midfielders: Foden, Cherki, Doku

Striker: Haaland

Key Points

  • City face Leipzig on Wednesday evening.
  • Semenyo remains sidelined with a knee injury.
  • Donnarumma is expected to start ahead of Rulli.
  • Foden and Cherki could return to the starting XI.
  • Haaland is expected to lead the attack.

What's Next?

City will aim to recover from their Brighton defeat, with Maresca's final selection revealing his preferred midfield and defensive combinations.

Match Details

  • Fixture: RB Leipzig vs Manchester City
  • Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026
  • Kick-off: 8pm GMT
  • Venue: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig
  • UK TV: TNT Sports 2 / HBO Max

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