Pep Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten in the league with the same number of points as Arsenal, but have dropped points in two successive matches.
City have struggled in the absence of Rodri, who sustained an ACL injury ruling him out for the rest of the season, and Kevin De Bruyne who could make his return against Fulham.
But City will be hoping their dominant 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions LEague has had a similar effect on their league form.
Fulham have started the season in solid form, currently in sixth after winning three and losing just one of their opening six matches.
Follow all the live action in the blog below:
Manchester City vs Fulham LIVE: Premier League updates
Man City take on Fulham in the Premier League
88’ GOAL! Rodrigo Muniz pulls one back (MCI 3-2 FUL)
82’ GOAL! Jeremy Doku makes it three (MCI 3-1 FUL)
47’ GOAL! Kovacic adds a second for City (MCI 2-1 FUL)
32’ GOAL! Mateo Kovacic fizzes in equaliser (MCI 1-1 FUL)
26’ GOAL! Andreas Pereira flicks Fulham into lead (MCI 0-1 FUL)
Manchester City FC 3 – 2 Fulham FC
Manchester City vs Fulham
17:03
Manchester City rack up a club-record equalling 30th Premier League game without defeat, as the Premier League champions edge out an enterprising Fulham side, winning 3-2 at the Etihad. A double strike from Kovacic ultimately proved decisive, as the influential midfielder equalised after Andreas Pereira had given the Cottagers a shock lead, then fired home a brilliant second shortly after the break. Second-half substitute Doku later lashed home City’s third, before a late goal from Rodrigo Muniz offered Fulham some hope of snatching a point. City – who finished with an inferior xG of 1.55 to their visitors’ 2.4 – sit second in the table, level with Arsenal and just one point behind leaders Liverpool. They will resume with a game against Wolves after the international break; meanwhile, Fulham host Aston Villa next time out. That’s all from today’s live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:55
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 3-2 FULHAM
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:54
Yellow Card Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:51
Yellow Card Ederson Santana de Moraes
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:51
There are to be at least five added minutes for stoppages at the end of this match, so Fulham can still hope to grab a late leveller.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:47
Substitution İlkay Gündoğan Matheus Luiz Nunes
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:47
Fulham are back on the ball, dominating possession, but they surely know that the chance to salvage something from this game has gone. It’s been a persistent display from the Cottagers, but they’ve just lacked precision in the opposition box.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:45
Manchester City have now scored five goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half this season, more than any other team in the Premier League. That killer instinct sets them apart from the rest.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:41
Assist Rico Henry Mark Lewis
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:40
Goal Jérémy Baffour Doku
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:40
It’s all Fulham now, as the Premier League champions sit back and defend, hoping to preserve their slim advantage. Whatever the final result, Marco Silva’s men will come out of this game with immense credit – they certainly belong towards the top end of the table.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:36
Substitution Philip Walter Foden John Stones
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:36
Gvardiol has to lunge in to block Jimenez inside City’s area, clearing his lines with a crucial challenge. Marco Silva is readying more substitutes, as he perhaps senses that a point could be up for grabs here.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:36
Substitution Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez Rodrigo Muniz Carvalho
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:36
Substitution Kenny Joelle Tete Timothy Castagne
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:35
Substitution Alexander Chuka Iwobi Reiss Luke Nelson
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:34
Another spell of pressure ends when Iwobi’s low ball into Jimenez just escapes from the Mexican striker, who looked poised to strike from the edge of the area. Cue frustrated groans from the away fans.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:33
Fulham continue to probe around their hosts’ penalty area, but Robinson and then Traore are both kept at arm’s length by City defenders. Marco Silva is urging his side on from the touchline – they proved during the first half that they can pose plenty of problems.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:30
For the first time in the second half, Fulham are enjoying an extended spell of possession. It’s all in their own half, however, and City are happy to sit back and stay compact in their team shape.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:28
SAVE! Ederson foils Traore again! The latter is set free down the left and arrows in on goal, but his Brazilian counterpart is quick to narrow the angle and smothers a close-range shot with a crucial save! City are still vulnerable to the counter-attack.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:25
CLOSE! Lewis controls the ball brilliantly and fires a first-time volley towards the target from 20 yards out, but it’s kept from sneaking into the net by an inadvertent touch from Haaland! His intervention sees the ball travel wide by a matter of inches – unlucky!
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:24
Substitution Sander Gard Bolin Berge Thomas Cairney
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:24
Substitution Andreas Hugo Hoelgebaum Pereira Emile Smith Rowe
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:22
Yellow Card Calvin Chinedu Bassey
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:21
Substitution Jack Peter Grealish Jérémy Baffour Doku
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:20
Substitution Manuel Obafemi Akanji Kyle Andrew Walker
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:20
Again teeing up a team-mate on the edge of the area, Bernardo Silva lays a pass off for Foden, who fires over the crossbar from around 20 yards out. It was always rising.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:18
Now in total control – albeit with just a one-goal advantage – Manchester City’s chances of claiming maximum points are 87% according to Opta’s live win-predictor. Fulham? Just 2%.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:17
Rising to the challenge of replacing Rodri in the champions’ midfield, Kovacic has not only scored twice today but he’s also dictating play, picking the ball up from his defence and spraying it around confidently.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:15
Grealish tries to pick out Haaland with a cross into the box from the left flank, but Robinson is alert and heads it away. Fulham can’t full clear their lines, though, and City’s constant pressure resumes.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:13
Since half-time, Manchester City’s share of the ball has been a remarkable 87%. They are patiently probing around Fulham’s area, and the away side are not able to escape on the break like they did before the interval.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:11
City’s dominance of this second half continues, as Foden fires over a cross from the right and Haaland slightly mistimes his jump before heading the ball off target. That was well wide, but the hosts have stepped up several gears since the break – Guardiola will have made his thoughts quite clear.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:10
Kovacic has scored his third goal in the Premier League this season – already a new career high. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva has now set up three this term, and he has assisted four goals in eight top-flight appearances against Fulham.
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:05
Goal Mateo Kovačić
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:04
Manchester City kick off, and we are back under way at the Etihad!
Manchester City vs Fulham
16:00
Should Manchester City merely avoid defeat today, they would extend their remarkable unbeaten home record to 50 matches, becoming just the fourth English top-flight team to reach that milestone, after Liverpool (85 between 1978-1981), Chelsea (74, 2006-2008; then 58, 2004-2006) and Sunderland (50, 1890-1893). However, as things stand they would slip three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool going into the international break.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:56
A brave first-half performance by Fulham sees the London club on level terms with Premier League champions Manchester City, as the half-time whistle blows with score at 1-1. After absorbing plenty of early pressure – with Gundogan and Haaland both missing good chances – the Cottagers struck first, when a moment of magic from Jimenez set up Pereira’s close-range finish. City bit back soon after, as Kovacic crashed in a low shot from the edge of the area following a corner. A wide-open encounter is reflected by both teams’ xG, with Fulham on 1.35 to their hosts’ 1.17 so far. Perhaps today is the day City’s long winning run over their capital-city counterparts finally ends?
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:49
HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 FULHAM
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:49
There will be just one minute of stoppage time added to the end of this first half, so Fulham’s job is almost done.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:47
Having been quite bold over the preceeding 20 minutes, Fulham are back in numbers now, aiming to keep the scoreline level until half-time. They surely deserve to been on equal terms at the break.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:46
MISS! After making his way to the left byline, Grealish stands up a lovely ball towards Bernardo Silva at the back post. The midfield maestro ghosts into the perfect position to finish, but his header loops over the far post and out of play! That should’ve hit the target!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:44
While Fulham may have only had half as many shots – and attempts on target – as their opponents so far, they have increased their possession share by almost 15% over the past 20 minutes. It’s impressive stuff from the Cottagers.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:42
Fulham are pushing hard for a second goal before the break, as Jimenez has a scuffed shot blocked by Kovacic, then City are forced to concede a corner. Marco Silva must be delighted with how his team are playing today: ususally they excel at Craven Cottage, but they’re taking the challenge to England’s dominant side in Manchester.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:39
Following City’s latest corner, Fulham break at speed again, confidently committing bodies forward in numbers. So far, they’ve caused their hosts plenty of problems in that manner; this time, it all comes to nothing.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:38
The hosts have got their tails up now, as Foden and then Lewis see shots blocked by Bassey inside Fulham’s area. Then, Gvardiol tests Leno with a low effort which seems to be creeping wide, but the German goalkeeper still tips it behind for a corner.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:34
Fulham have actually registered three of their four Premier League wins over Manchester City at the Etihad, albeit their most recent victory there was way back in April 2009, under Roy Hodgson. Can they do it again today, more than 15 years later?
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:33
Goal Mateo Kovačić
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:33
CLOSE! Fulham counter again, and Iwobi spins his marker before setting up a 10-yard strike for Traore. The winger can’t keep his effort on target, though, and despite beating Ederson he also lifts the ball over the crossbar! City are living dangerously here!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:28
Assist Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:27
Goal Andreas Hugo Hoelgebaum Pereira
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:26
After Tete charges upfield, past several tame challenges, Robinson swings over a low cross from the left; Lewis reads it and cuts out the danger, allowing Ederson to take back possession.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:24
A 25-yard free-kick from a central position is taken short to Lewis, who then tries to switch play but spectacularly fails. It’s another wasted set-piece situation for the hosts, who have lost a little of their early momentum.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:23
Manchester City’s long winning run over Fulham continued when they last met, when the reigning Premier League champions cruised to a 4-0 victory at Craven Cottage towards the end of last season. So far today, though, they’ve been kept at bay.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:19
SAVE! Ederson keeps the scores level! Powering his way past Lewis just outside the area, Traore almost finishes off a rapid Fulham counter-attack. He works his way clear through on goal, but Ederson races off his line to make a sharp stop! Great goalkeeping, but the Fulham winger should’ve scored!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:17
Bassey blocks a threatening low cross from the right byline, before Foden’s inswinging corner is met by Haaland at the back post. Under pressure, the latter can only guide his tame header straight at Leno. City are getting ever closer to making their 73% share of possession pay.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:14
After Iwobi’s hopeful shot from a wide angle on the right is deflected behind, Fulham’s subsequent corner is met by a leap from Jimenez. He can’t control his header, though, and City clear their lines.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:13
A rare foray upfield by Fulham results in Jimenez winning a free-kick from Ruben Dias, who holds his opponent back. However, it comes to nothing, and Manchester City resume their total dominance of possession.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:11
Once again, Foden tees up Haaland on the edge of the area. This time City’s star striker opens up an angle to shoot, but his low effort is slightly scuffed and runs straight towards Leno, who gathers the ball safely.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:10
Haaland steps up to the free-kick and drives it low and hard; however, it thuds into Bernardo Silva, who was placed on the ground in front of Fulham’s defensive wall. The hosts have made a mess of that set-piece routine.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:08
Lukic pulls Lewis back by the shirt and concedes a free-kick in dangerous territory, but he avoids a booking. City will have a chance to strike at goal from around 20 yards out, in a central position.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:07
JUST WIDE! Now Haaland comes close! Played in by a precise Foden throughball, the Norwegian striker takes aim but angles his low shot narrowly wide of the right-hand post! Fulham escape again!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:06
CLOSE! Gundogan misses a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring, firing wide of the right-hand post when left in space near the penalty spot! That’s a great opportunity spurned!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:05
Gundogan finds Haaland on the right byline, and the latter’s cutback is blocked behind for Man City’s first corner. Akanji attacks the cross, but commits a foul and concedes a free-kick to Fulham.
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:02
Fulham kick off, and we are under way in Manchester!
Manchester City vs Fulham
15:02
Emerging into the sunshine from the tunnel, both teams are out on the pitch, and kick-off is now just moments away!
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:58
Making just one change to the XI that started in Nottingham last week, Fulham boss Marco Silva brings Berge into midfield, replacing Smith Rowe. After scoring three goals in as many games, Jimenez starts up front; fellow striker Carlos Vinicius is sidelined by a calf injury.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:53
After making six changes in midweek, Guardiola recalls several senior stars, including goalkeeper Ederson and centre-back Ruben Dias. There is only one switch from the draw with Newcastle last week, though: Foden replaces Walker, with Lewis starting at right-back. Once again City will be without Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake and Kevin De Bruyne due to injury.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:48
SUBS: Steven Benda, Harrison Reed, Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz, Tom Cairney, Reiss Nelson, Timothy Castagne, Issa Diop, Emile Smith Rowe.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:48
FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Sander Berge, Sasa Lukic; Adama Traore, Andreas Pereira, Alex Iwobi; Raul Jimenez.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:42
SUBS: Stefan Ortega, Scott Carson, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Matheus Nunes, James McAtee.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:42
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol; Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan; Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish; Erling Haaland.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:37
Fulham have made their best start to a Premier League campaign since 2003, accruing 11 points so far to claim sixth place in the table – just three points behind today’s hosts. Since losing to Manchester United on the opening weekend, the Cottagers have put together a five-game unbeaten run in the English top flight, winning both of their last two matches. After beating Newcastle 3-1, last week they edged out Nottingham Forest, winning 1-0 at the City Ground thanks to a Raul Jimenez penalty.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:37
After being held to their second successive Premier League draw by Newcastle United last week, Manchester City then returned to winning ways with a comfortable success against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League. On the domestic front, Pep Guardiola’s side sit four points behind leaders Liverpool after the Reds beat Crystal Palace in today’s early kick-off, so they will be keen to continue their dominance over Fulham. City have won each of the clubs’ last 16 meetings across all competitions – the longest winning run one team has had over another throughout English football league history.
Manchester City vs Fulham
14:32
Hello and welcome to live coverage of today’s Premier League clash between Manchester City and Fulham at the Etihad Stadium!
What TV channel is the Cal vs. Miami football game on today?
When: Kickoff takes place at 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET (9:30 p.m. CT) on Saturday, October 5
Where: California Memorial Stadium | Berkley, CA
TV Channel: ESPN
How to watch live stream online: If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you are out of free trials, the cheapest and best way to watch this game and more football this month is by signing up for Sling (promotional offers, cheapest streaming plans), which is $25 off for the first month if you add the “Sports Extra” package that includes Big Ten Network, SEC Network and a few other sports channels. If you already have a cable or satellite subscription, you can watch the game on Watch ESPN or the ESPN app by signing in with your provider information.
What TV channel is the Boise State vs. Utah State football game on today?
When: Kickoff takes place at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET (5 p.m. MDT) on Saturday, October 5.
Where: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
TV Channel: FS1
How to watch streaming live on demand: If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you are out of free trials, the cheapest and best way to watch this game and more football this month is by signing up for Sling (promotional offers, cheapest streaming plans), which costs around $31 for the first month if you add the “Sports Extra” package that includes Big Ten Network and a few other sports channels. If you already have a cable or satellite subscription already, you can watch the game on FOX Sports Live by signing in with your provider information.
After storming back to advance in the playoffs, Dylan Cease will be on the hill to start Game 1 for the Padres in this road test. Meanwhile, top hurler Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be the starting pitcher for the Dodgers at home in the first meeting of this National League Divisional Series matchup.
What TV channel is the Dodgers vs. Padres MLB playoffs game on today?
Where: Game 1 takes place at Dodger Stadium | Los Angeles, California
When: A look at this best-of-five game series.
Game 1: San Diego at Los Angeles, 5:38 p.m. PT on October 5 (FS1)
Game 2: San Diego at Los Angeles, 5:03 p.m. PT on October 6 (FS1)
Game 3: Los Angeles at San Diego, 6:08 p.m. PT on October 8 (FS1)
*Game 4: Los Angeles at San Diego, 6:08 p.m. PT on October 9 (FS1)
*Game 5: San Diego at Los Angeles, 5:08 p.m. PT on October 11 (FOX)
What TV channel is the UNLV vs. Syracuse football game on today?
When: Kickoff takes place at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET (7 p.m. MDT) on Friday, October 4.
Where: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
TV Channel: FS1
How to watch streaming live on demand: If you don’t have cable, you can still watch this game live for FREE with Fubo (free trial) or with DirecTV Stream (free trial). If you are out of free trials, the cheapest and best way to watch this game and more football this month is by signing up for Sling (promotional offers, cheapest streaming plans), which costs around $31 for the first month if you add the “Sports Extra” package that includes Big Ten Network and a few other sports channels. If you already have a cable or satellite subscription already, you can watch the game on FOX Sports Live by signing in with your provider information.
Four days after their 3-0 home humiliation at the hands of Tottenham, the Red Devils put criticism of the players and their under-fire manager to the side with an impressive start in Portugal.
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund had United in control, only for Ten Hag’s men to lose their way and their defensive faculties as Pepe scored before Samu Omorodion’s brilliant brace.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second straight match as Ten Hag squirmed, only for Maguire to head home a Christian Eriksen corner in stoppage time to seal a point.
Porto vs Manchester United LIVE
Manchester United face Porto in the Europa League, kick-off at 8pm | Live on TNT Sports
United boss Erik ten Hag fighting for his job after last week’s embarrassing 3-0 loss to Spurs
Porto sit second in the Primeira Liga, with six wins from seven games
Porto XI: Costa, Joao Mario, Ze Pedro, Nehuen, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Nico, Pepe, Galeno, Omorodion
Man Utd XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Light, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Eriksen, Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund.
GOAL! Marcus Rashford fires visitors in front, Porto 0-1 Man Utd (7 min)
GOAL! Rasmus Hojlund adds second after another Diogo Costa error, Porto 0-2 Man Utd (20 min)
GOAL! Pepe knocks in rebound to pull one back, Porto 1-2 Man Utd (27 min)
GOAL! Samu Omorodian heads hosts level, Porto 2-2 Man Utd (35 min)
GOAL! Omorodion adds another to complete comeback, Porto 3-2 Man Utd (50 min)
GOAL! Harry Maguire heads late equaliser, Porto 3-3 Man Utd (90+1 min)
FC Porto 3 – 3 Manchester United FC
Ten Hag: ‘Judge us at the end of the season’
23:00 , Will Castle
Erik ten Hag has asked Manchester United fans to trust the process after clawing back a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League this evening.
“We will get there,” he said on TNT Sports. “Don’t judge us in this moment, judge us in the end of the season.
“I said the same last season, just wait. We are in the process, we will improve, and we have now two seasons where we achieved finals.
“Just wait, we have to develop and progress this team. We will work and we will continue.
“We will fight. You see the spirit and the connection between the staff and the team. It’s strong spirit they want to achieve.
“We are in the direction. We have that good mentality, but especially in some defending parts, we have to step up.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)
Bruno Fernandes sees red again
22:50 , Will Castle
Bruno Fernandes saw red for the second time in as many games after being shown two yellows for two very similar high challenges.
Of course, his red against Tottenham was overturned earlier this week. But for ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, today’s dismissal was totally justified.
“The Tottenham one was not a red, he was unlucky. I don’t think he was unlucky tonight,” he said.
“The first one, because it’s early on in the game, they’ll probably give a yellow for that just because your foot is high.
“It doesn’t need to be. Let him bring the ball down and win it on the ground.
“If you’re on a booking, you can’t make that challenge. Just go head it.”
Ten Hag still has the dressing room, says Maguire
22:45 , Will Castle
Harry Maguire says his teammates still have faith in Erik ten Hag after heading home a late equaliser to spare United’s blushes in Porto.
“Definitely,” said Maguire when asked if the players still believed in the manager.
“To be honest, I’ve played for this club now for six years, so I know how it works, and when you go through a bad spell, players come under pressure, but also the manager does.
”He’s experienced enough. He’s been in the game long enough. He’s been at this club long enough that I’m sure he’s learned how to deal with it and it’s part and parcel of playing for this club or managing this club.”
Harry Maguire earned the late point (Luis Vieira/AP) (AP)
Ten Hag: Rashford substitution was for rotation
22:34 , Will Castle
Erik ten Hag has quelled fears that Marcus Rashford’s half-time substitution was forced by injury, insisting that Alejandro Garnacho’s introduction was purely based on rotation ahead of Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa.
“We have to rotate,” he said on TNT Sports. “Garnacho, we didn’t start him. He had a great game, not only on Sunday, but I think in the whole season.
“On Sunday we have again another hard game, a good game, so we need the players to be available and be fit and fresh.”
Tough times at the Estadio do Dragao
22:30 , Will Castle
Ten Hag’s ugly European record
22:27 , Will Castle
Relief will likely be the prevailing emotion for Manchester United fans after snatching a late draw at Porto.
However, it’s yet another game without a win in Europe for Erik ten Hag.
Man United have won just 1 of their last 10 games in Europe under Erik ten Hag….
Owen Hargreaves was far from pleased at his former side’s capitulation during the middle portion of today’s outing against Porto.
“There was a lot going on,” he said. “There were so many holes defensively.
“Manchester United didn’t stop any crosses, and then to go 3-2 down after being 2-0 up was ridiculous.
“The middle part of the game was crazy. That’s what it’s been like for a couple of years.”
Paul Robinson: ‘The manager has not lost the dressing room’
22:13 , Will Castle
Former England goalkeeper believes Man United desire to find a late equaliser proves that Erik ten Hag still has the backing of the players.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “We said, ‘why was he bringing on Maguire and Evans?’ That’s why.
“Corner in from Eriksen and Maguire rises with a powerful header – Porto have no-one on the posts and they pay for it. Powerful strong header.
“That shows spirit and a team where a manager has not lost the dressing room.
“Yes, they have been outplayed at parts but they have shown a lot of character and a lot of determination.
“With 10 men they have pressed and it looks like they will walk away with a point.”
Has this kept Erik ten Hag in a job?
22:03 , Will Castle
Full-Time: Porto 3-3 Manchester United
22:00 , Will Castle
Manchester United leave it late to salvage a point as Harry Maguire emerges from the Estadio do Dragao as the hero on the night.
United were two goals to the good in 20 minutes thanks to strikes from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund but were pegged back to 2-2 before the break, with Samu and Pepe drawing Porto level.
Samu then gave the Portuguese giants the lead after the restart and came ever so close to seeing out the win – only for the Maguire to rise above the rest in added time to snatch a draw at the death.
Erik ten Hag could have been in serious trouble had United left Porto empty handed tonight.
An enthralling European encounter.
Porto 3-3 Manchester United
21:56 , Will Castle
90+4 minutes: Jonny Evans wins a free-kick in United’s half. That’ll cool things off for a second.
It’s been an incredible game and you have to think the visitors will take a point.
Seconds to play.
GOAL! Porto 3-3 Manchester United
21:54 , Will Castle
90+1 minutes: GOAL! HARRY MAGUIRE TO THE RESCUE!
Superb corner delivery by Eriksen and it’s the substitute Maguire who leaps above the rest, getting over the ball and brilliantly heading past Costa to equalise.
What drama. Has that just saved Erik ten Hag’s skin?
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:52 , Will Castle
90 minutes: Five minutes added on. Five minutes to salvage something for Manchester United.
Two corners conceded by Porto in quick succession. Let’s see if they can make something of this.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:50 , Will Castle
87 minutes: Save! Superb stop from Costa to tip over Garnacho’s dipping shot from range.
United are running out of time.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:49 , Will Castle
84 minutes: It should have been four.
Deniz Gul finds himself with half the pitch to break into and has Galeno in support, but decides to go for goal himself.
His effort is saved and the ball gets cleared.
RED CARD! Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:45 , Will Castle
80 minutes: RED CARD! For the second game running, United’s skipper is shown red.
Bruno Fernandes goes in with a high boot to meet a cross and appears to catch his man on the face.
It’s an honest attempt to win the ball but the Porto players are furious, and the ref deems it a second yellow card offence.
He may feel hard done by as after closer inspection at the replay, it didn’t actually look like his boot made any contact.
But dangerous play is dangerous play, and United are down to 10.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:40 , Will Castle
77 minutes: A few substitutions.
For Porto, Samu makes way for ex-Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic. A superb display from the striker with two goals to his name.
Eustaquio also makes way for Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira.
United make a double defemsive change, with Martinez and De Ligt making way for Evans and Maguire.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:37 , Will Castle
75 minutes: Manchester United are pushing for an equaliser, peppering the Porto box with crosses and dominating in possession.
That said, nothing too troubling for the hosts to deal with thus far.
Porto might be sitting back but United need to be wary of not getting caught out on the break.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:34 , Will Castle
72 minutes: De Ligt latches onto the aerial ball but his header lacks power and it’s a comfortable stop for Costa.
Garnacho then cuts inside with the intent of firing one into the far corner, but his shot his blocked for the corner. The resulting delivery comes to nothing.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:33 , Will Castle
70 minutes: Fernandes goes for it again from outside the box, but shoots high and wide.
The way Costa is playing tonight, you can understand why getting shots away regardless of position may be the best policy for United. That’s their 20th effort of the night.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:30 , Will Castle
68 minutes: Attacking changes from Ten Hag as Zirkzee and Antony enter the fray.
Hojlund and Amad make way.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:28 , Will Castle
65 minutes: Save! Another big stop from Onana to prevent this going from bad to worse, getting down low to divert Samu’s effort away for a corner.
Resulting delivery nearly causes problems for United as Galeno pokes goalwards, but the Red Devils are able to clear.
Joshua Zirkzee is said to be getting stripped.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:26 , Will Castle
64 minutes: That might have gone out of the stadium!
Lisandro Martinez goes for the spectacular half volley from about 35 yards out – and as you’d expect from a centre-half, it goes high, wide and out of shot.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:25 , Will Castle
62 minutes: Mazraoui fires a pretty weak bobbling effort from the edge of the box – but it’s a poor parried save from Diogo Costa, who palms it right into the danger area with Garnacho closing in.
Garnacho is off balance and can only shoot high and into the side netting. But it’s another error by the highly-rated Portuguese shot-stopper.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:20 , Will Castle
57 minutes: United are spending more and more time on the ball – Porto, now with the lead, are sitting back and trying to frustrate their opponents.
Unable to break into the box, Garnacho unleashes a viscious effort from range to sting the gloves of Costa.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:18 , Will Castle
54 minutes: It’s United’s turn to search for an equaliser.
Bruno Fernandes fires an effort across the goal, hitting it with power but it goes well wide. Nothing to worry about for Costa.
Christian Eriksen then gets played into the box and takes the ball to the byline, but his pullback rolls straight into the arms of the keeper.
A better delivery and that could have been a golden opening for the visitors.
Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:14 , Will Castle
52 minutes: Chelsea fans will be watching this tonight rueing the fact their side couldn’t get a deal for Samu over the line back in August, which reportedly fell apart when finalizing the control.
He looks like a ruthless goalscorer and a real talent. Definitely one to watch this season.
GOAL! Porto 3-2 Manchester United
21:12 , Will Castle
50 minutes: GOAL! THEY’VE TURNED IT ON ITS HEAD!
It’s that man Samu again with an EMPHATIC finish, who fires into the roof of the net after a pullback from Pepe.
They were 2-0 down. Now they’re 3-2 up.
Big response required from Manchester United now – a massive test of character.
Porto 2-2 Manchester United
21:09 , Will Castle
47 minutes: Save! Big stop from Onana to deny Francisco Moura, who found himself in acres of space breaking in behind.
Far too open from United. Early second half jitters.
Porto 2-2 Manchester United
21:06 , Will Castle
46 minutes: We’re back underway.
Half-Time: Porto 2-2 Manchester United
21:06 , Will Castle
Alejandro Garnacho is getting ready to come on for the start of the second half – and it’s Marcus Rashford who comes off.
You can only presume that’s due to an injury, because he was on fire in that first 45.
Potential blow for Ten Hag.
Half-Time: Porto 2-2 Manchester United
21:01 , Will Castle
Marcus Rashford is showing his true worth on the European stage.
Most goals scored in major European competitions for Man Utd:
◎ 35 – Wayne Rooney ◉ 26 – Marcus Rashford ◎ 25 – Paul Scholes
Most goals scored by English players in Europa League/UEFA Cup history:
After a frantic 45 minutes, there is nothing to seperate the two sides going into the break.
United seemed in control of the contest inside 20 minutes, with Rashford and Hojlund giving Ten Hag’s side an early advantage.
However, two goals in the space of seven minutes pegged the visitors back as Samu and Pepe brought parity for Porto.
Prime Thursday evening entertainment. Long may it continue.
Porto 2-2 Manchester United
20:50 , Will Castle
45+2 minutes: United fans will be LOVING what they are seeing from Marcus Rashford.
He’s terrorising Joao Mario down that left-hand side and once again drives into the box, dancing past defenders before firing a shot away, only for it to be blocked.
Best player on the pitch so far.
Porto 2-2 Manchester United
20:48 , Will Castle
45 minutes: Three minutes added on.
Searching Porto ball sent in behind for Galeno to chase, but Onana gets there first.
Porto 2-2 Manchester United
20:48 , Will Castle
44 minutes: Worrying moment for United fans as Lisandro Martinez goes down with an injury.
The Argentinian has endured a horrible time with injuries as of late, so Ten Hag will be relieved to see him get to his feet after receiving treatment.
He’s back on the pitch and seems ok.
Porto 2-2 Manchester United
20:45 , Will Castle
42 minutes: Last ditch defending from Porto as Fernandes lofts a delightful ball into the box.
Pinball on the edge of the six yard box before Casemiro gets a shot away, well saved by Costa for a corner.
Porto 2-2 Manchester United
20:43 , Will Castle
40 minutes: End-to-end stuff here.
It’s been frantic for the most part in this 40 minutes, and after a decent spell of Porto pressure, United are pushing again.
Hojlund leads a charging break into the opposition half and slots a searching ball into the box for Amad to chase, only for it just bypass the Ivorian.
Porto 2-2 Manchester United
20:39 , Will Castle
37 minutes: This is the fourth time in ten matches that Man United have conceded two goals or more this season.
Even when in control of the contest, United are leaking goals.
Porto 2-2 Manchester United
20:37 , Will Castle
35 minutes: GOAL! Just like that, Porto are level!
Porto’s main route of attack this half has been twofold: Joao Mario cross, Samu Omorodian header. That’s exactly what’s paid dividends here.
At the second attempt, Samu bravely latches on to Mario’s delivery to head past Onana into the roof of the net.
What a game we have on our hands.
Porto 1-2 Manchester United
20:33 , Will Castle
30 minutes: Important few minutes for United here as Porto look to build up some momentum.
Joao Mario whips in another dangerous ball, but Mazraoui produces an effective defensive header to get the ball out of harm’s way.
As Amad Diallo tries to bring the ball away, Omorodian puts a forearm in his back and gets a yellow card for his troubles.
GOAL! Porto 1-2 Manchester United
20:30 , Will Castle
27 minutes: GOAL! Porto are back in it!
Brilliant delivery into the box is met by Samu, whose header forces a fantastic save from Onana.
However, his parry falls right into the path of the charging Pepe who puts in the rebound.
The Dragao erupts, and we have a game on.
Porto 0-2 Manchester United
20:27 , Will Castle
24 minutes: Marcus Rashford is looking like a different player tonight.
Another driving run into the box from the winger before drilling one towards Costa, who on the other hand is very much having an off night.
The most confident he’s seemed in months.
GOAL! Porto 0-2 Manchester United
20:24 , Will Castle
20 minutes: GOAL! Rasmus Hojlund is back in the starting XI for the first time this season – and he’s back on the scoresheet!
Rashford turns provider this time to slip Hojlund through, who sees his left-footed effort just creep over the line before Diogo Costa scoops it away.
It’s another error from the keeper, who got a big arm to it and should have really kept the shot out. But again, United will not care.
Porto 0-1 Manchester United
20:20 , Will Castle
19 minutes: Porto might have gone behind early but it hasn’t stifled the home faithful who are still in full voice.
Porto 0-1 Manchester United
20:18 , Will Castle
17 minutes: Very close to a second from Rashford as his curling delivery bypasses everyone before just going wide of the wide post. Diogo Costa rooted to the spot.
Two corners then go awry for the visitors.
Porto 0-1 Manchester United
20:17 , Will Castle
14 minutes: Big block by Martinez as Samu receives the ball behind the penalty spot before firing an effort goalwards.
At the same time, there’s hopeful appeal for a penalty from Galeno, who claimed Dalot was pulling his shirt. Referee having none of it.
Porto 0-1 Manchester United
20:14 , Will Castle
12 minutes: Porto haven’t let the wind go out of their sails and are playing with intent for an equaliser.
They earn a corner that comes to nothing, but are nonetheless peppering Onana’s box – Samu is the obvious target.
Porto 0-1 Manchester United
20:12 , Will Castle
10 minutes: Another attempted ball in behind to Rashford, with a lot of their attacking play coming down that left hand side.
Diogo Costa gets there first and collects.
GOAL! Porto 0-1 Manchester United
20:10 , Will Castle
7 minutes: GOAL! They’ve been largely on the back foot in the early stages, but it only takes one chance.
Direct play from Marcus Rashford to drive into the box, before cutting in and firing towards the bottom left corner of Diogo Costa’s goal.
The keeper gets a foot on it and should do better, but the visitors won’t care. An early boost for Erik ten Hag.
Porto 0-0 Manchester United
20:05 , Will Castle
4 minutes: Porto have had three flurries into the final third in as many minutes and are very much on the front foot here during the early stages.
Joao Mario enjoying the ball down the left flank and playing it into Samu Omorodion, who has already had a shot blocked.
Porto 0-0 Manchester United
20:02 , Will Castle
1 minute: KICK OFF! We’re underway.
Porto showing early signs of promise and quickly force Onana into his first save of the evening.
Great noise coming from the home fans.
Here come the teams!
20:00 , Will Castle
The Estadio do Dragao welcomes the teams after a pretty spectacular display from the Porto fans, put on in celebration of the club’s 500th game in their home stadium.
Kick-off imminent.
Ten Hag: ‘We need a reaction’
19:52 , Will Castle
Tonight could well be a massive game for the future of Erik ten Hag, who is under the microscope as Manchester United boss.
There is real scope that a bad performance tonight could cost him his job – and as such, he’s made one final plea to his players.
“We have to see a reaction. Of course, we need a reaction,” he said on TNT Sports.
“We have to do everything well. It’s a very good opponents and it’s a challenge, but we want those challenges. We need to have the winning mentality that things will go well.
“When things are going wrong, that’s the moment you have to keep the faith.”
(EPA)
Gary Neville lays into ‘absolutely disgusting’ Manchester United performance
19:45 , Mike Jones
Gary Neville slammed an “absolutely disgusting” performance from Manchester United as Tottenham won 3-0 at Old Trafford to increase the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
“The big story today is that in that first half,” he said on Sky Sports. “You can’t say it came from nowhere because Manchester United have been inconsistent all season, but they have chosen to put in their very worst performance, their very worst possible showing.
“It was an absolutely disgusting performance in that first half in effort, quality, everything you want in a football team and there are going to be questions to answer for that group (of players) and the manager in the next week.”
Jamie Carragher unimpressed by Man Utd’s £42m signing: ‘He’s out of position all the time’
19:39 , Mike Jones
Jamie Carragher singled out Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt for criticism and said the £42 summer signing was “out of position all the time” during the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.
In a segment on Monday Night Football, the former Liverpool centre-back highlighted three incidents during the first half at Old Trafford where Spurs were able to counter-attack against United and said De Ligt was at fault.
The Netherlands international and former Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich defender has only made four Premier League starts for United but has been caught out in the defeats to Liverpool and now Spurs.
Carragher unimpressed by Man Utd’s £42m signing: ‘He’s out of position all the time’
More from Vitor Bruno
19:33 , Mike Jones
“I’ve heard a lot of people saying that they have a rope around their necks,” said Bruno when asked by United’s form.
“But, no, no, we are just looking at our objective and that is to reach the next stage. We always see them as a threat, not as a good point to take them on.
“We have to just be ourselves and look at them the way the way we have to look at them, with respect, a lot of respect, with a lot of individuals.
“I know what you mean talking about their last match, but we must see the whole not the last one.”
Countdown to kick-off
19:32 , Will Castle
Just under half an hour to go until things kick off in Porto.
Erik ten Hag will be desperate for his side to bounce back from Sunday’s disastrous defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, but Porto will no doubt pose a difficult challenge.
Rasmus Hojlund is back up top – can he prove the difference?
(Getty Images)
Pre-match thoughts from Porto coach
19:27 , Mike Jones
Porto coach, Vitor Bruno, says he is expecting Man Utd to be a tough team to beat tonight despite them going through a rough patch in terms of form.
Bruno said: “Even though Manchester United are going through a difficult period, it’s a club with history and European experience, which has great individual values.
“We cannot underestimate them. At the same time, we must always aim to achieve victory, because representing this club means that.”
Erik ten Hag on facing Porto
19:21 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag spoke about what he is expecting from tonight’s match saying: “We know that Porto are a good team, with good players and good strategy. We have to play good football to get a positive result. The way they attack, with dynamism and creativity, and the way they defend, with aggressivness, will be a real challenge for use.
“The team is frustrated, due to the defeat at the weekend and also for not winning in three games. When we are not winning, we get very disappointed. But we have to turn things around, with all the players having to be up to the task in every game. Opponents are always 100 per cent motivated against us and we have to be prepared for that.”
The last time Porto hosted a Premier League heavyweight
19:19 , Will Castle
The Estadio do Dragao is not an easy place to visit – just ask Arsenal.
Nothing for me to panic about – Erik ten Hag calm over Man Utd’s poor start
19:15 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United’s poor start to the campaign is nothing “to panic about” as the under-fire manager ignores talk of the sack and focuses on ending the season with more silverware.
May’s FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City was the high point in a miserable campaign and helped save the Dutchman’s job after lengthy deliberation by ambitious Ineos.
But Ten Hag’s third season in charge has begun in alarming fashion, with Sunday’s 3-0 home humbling by Tottenham ratcheting up the pressure on the United manager.
There will be a fair few empty seats in the away end of the Estadio do Dragao this evening after a flight that was supposed to be carrying some 180 Manchester United fans was cancelled.
Supporters were left waiting at Manchester Airport for a gruelling ten hours before being informed their flight would not be taking off due to the fact there were no landing spots available in Porto.
Varela on striving to win
19:09 , Mike Jones
Porto midfielder, Alan Varela, says his team owe it to the fans to try and defeat Manchester United when they clash in the Europa League tonight.
Varela said: “We work at all times to win. In the first round that didn’t happen but we want it to happen now. The fans deserve it. The quality this squad has makes us believe in that, even if on the other side is a strong opponent like Manchester United.”
Porto team news
19:06 , Will Castle
Only one change for Vitor Bruno’s Porto to the side that started their 4-0 win over Arouca on Sunday as Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustaquio replaces Nicolas Gonzalez.
Porto starting XI: Costa, Joao Mario, Ze Pedro, Nehuen, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Nico, Pepe, Galeno, Omorodion. Subs: Ramos, Djalo, Grujic, Fabio Vieira, Vasco Sousa, Ivan Jaime, Namaso, Andre Franco, Deniz Gul, Martim Fernandes, Goncalo Borges, Rodrigo Mora.
Man Utd team news
19:04 , Will Castle
Rasmus Hojlund makes his first start of the campaign as Erik ten Hag makes four changes to the side that got beaten 3-0 by Tottenham on Sunday.
Manuel Ugarte, Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee all drop to the bench while Kobbie Mainoo misses out after being forced off against Spurs through injury.
Coming into the starting XI are Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo.
Manchester United’s first Europa League game resulted in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against FC Twente last week.
“We were quite sad after the Twente game,” said winger Antony when asked about the game.
“We wanted the win and we had to analyse this afterwards but we’ve analysed the game now and the errors committed. But now we are ready for the next game and to get the three points.
“We need to focus on our game, not on them, and believe in our work and everything we have been doing in training. That way, we can get things right during the game.”
Antony on facing Porto
18:57 , Mike Jones
“Porto are an excellent team,” Man Utd winger Antony told the club’s media team ahead of flying out for the Europa League encounter.
“But we also have an excellent team. It will be a difficult game with Porto being at home but we will be well prepared ahead of the tie.
“I have heard a lot about the Estadio da Dragao, from Casemiro as well, as he played for Porto. It is a great stadium right? We are going to have a difficult game that we need to prepare well to have a great game.
“I know Pepe, I played with him with the national team and he is a great player. Brazilians always have something to offer.“
Will Porto come out on top?
18:42 , Mike Jones
Despite being beaten 3-2 by Bodo/Glimt in matchday one, the Portuguese side registered a whopping 28 shots, their most in a European match since they played Roma in 2019.
With such a high shot count things could easily get away from Man Utd who’s defence has not been as strong as it would like so far this season.
Porto vs Man Utd
18:36 , Mike Jones
The two clubs have met eight times with Manchester United winning three of these fixtures in comparison to Porto’s two victories.
The last time United visited the Estadio do Dragao, Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range effort sealed a narrow 1-0 victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Can the repeat that success tonight?
Bruno Fernandes’s new low is a symbol of Erik ten Hag’s collapsing Man Utd regime
18:30 , Mike Jones
The defence calls the Tottenham No 10. “Even [James] Maddison when he gets up, he said it was a foul but never a red card,” insisted Bruno Fernandes. And if it was an accurate version of events; but even if with a star witness, he was pleading in vain. “I don’t think it was a red card,” said Erik ten Hag. “I don’t know why VAR doesn’t call the referee to the screen,” added Fernandes
There is a simple answer to that: because Chris Kavanagh’s initial decision was correct, because a high challenge connected with Maddison’s leg when nowhere near the ball. Fernandes’s lunge looked reckless and out of control, the sort that could be deemed dangerous. Cut through the Portuguese’s grumbles, however, and there was one pertinent comment. “I let my teammates down with one man down,” said Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes’s new low is a symbol of Erik ten Hag’s collapsing Man Utd regime
Manchester United injury news
18:24 , Mike Jones
Here is a round-up of Manchester United’s injury concerns:
Kobbie Mainoo – The midfielder was substituted during the 3-0 defeat by Tottenham but trained with the squad this week and appears to be fully fit.
Mason Mount – Mount came on against Spurs only to be taken off again with a head injury. He sat out of training this week but it is thought to be a precautionary measure after he suffered a minor cut, rather than any concussion. He is a doubt for Porto but is likely to be available for the weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.
Harry Maguire – Maguire missed the Tottenham game with an unspecified knock in training, but he was back in training this week and is expected to be available.
Victor Lindelof – Lindelof is back in training and the Swedish defender could make his first appearance of the season in the coming weeks.
Luke Shaw – The full-back’s injury troubles have continued this season but he could be back later this month after progress from his calf strain.
Leny Yoro – The big-money signing is not expected to be fit until November after fracturing a foot bone. “Yes, he is doing very well,” Ten Hag said last week. “It is very pleasing that his rehab is going in the right direction and I expect him soon, but what I mean by soon, is that he is now in the right planning process.
“He is in the right spot and he will return as soon as possible into the squad and then the team training.”
Tyrell Malacia – The full-back missed the entire 2023-24 season with a knee injury, but he was named in United’s Europa League group stage squad to suggest a return is imminent. However, Malacia has still not featured in team training so November is a likely return.
Manchester United still in ‘transition’
18:18 , Mike Jones
Man Utd boss, Erik ten Hag, reiterated his claim that the team are in “transition” but can still achieve their targets this season.
Having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two years in charge, Ten Hag believes United can challenge for silverware again.
“From the moment I came in, we knew we had to change,” he said. “We had to replace some older players and bring new players in. Our choice was to bring young players in and you know that takes time to get the messages on board, to get a game model on board and to introduce a new culture that takes time.
“In the meantime, you have to win and I think we have proven in the last two years, and we win. And I’ve proven in my career that always I will win. The last six years I have [won] eight trophies.
“We have to embed the game model, we have to embed a stronger team as we have now and so we have to work on our problems and give the solutions. We have a good potential on players so once it’s embedded we will go and we will drive, and I’m sure we will achieve the targets we have set for this season.
“That is always winning trophies and finishing as high as possible of course in the league because that is definitely a very important purpose for us.”
Man Utd need to keep up ‘belief’ says Ten Hag
18:12 , Mike Jones
Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, says his players need to keep believing that they can turn their form and results around.
“The most important is always keeping the belief,” he told Sky Sports. “You stay in the game by keeping the belief. That’s the most important message that we have to give because if you lose your faith you lose everything.
“We have to keep going and stick to the plan and move on.”
Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United’s biggest problem after Tottenham defeat
18:06 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United’s “most important” problem to solve is improving the team’s self-belief ahead of important fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa this week.
The manager is under increased pressure after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur but is set to be given the trips to Porto and Villa before the international break.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Ten Hag insisted that he is not worried about losing his job if results do not go United’s way and said the club are “together” under the new ownership.
Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United’s biggest problem after Tottenham defeat
Man Utd players ‘mad’ about recent results
18:00 , Mike Jones
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says that his team are ‘mad’ and ‘disappointed’ about their recent results and he’s backing them to turnaround their recent form/
“As always when we are not winning, we are very disappointed and we are also mad, mad with ourselves and especially when you lose a game like Sunday,” Ten Hag said at Wednesday’s delayed news conference.
“We are mad and from the madness we have to get motivation and go onto the next game.”
(EPA)
What are Man Utd’s next fixtures?
17:54 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag is set to remain in charge of Manchester United after calling for more time after the dismal defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
United have made their joint-worst start to a Premier League season after losing three of their first six games – including 3-0 defeats to Liverpool and Spurs at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag is set to be given United’s next two games, which are tough trips to Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
United’s visit to Villa Park comes on Sunday and is followed by the October international break, which could spell bad news for Ten Hag if results continue to go against him.
“In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach,” the former Porto and Blackburn striker told Portuguese outlet ZeroZero. “They need to feel that the coach is with them and willing to fight alongside them.
“Tactically, I feel that Erik is at the top. He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I.”
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant claims Manchester United manager lacks ‘fire and passion’
17:42 , Mike Jones
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed that the Manchester United manager lacks “fire” and “passion” as pressure again builds on the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
A damaging defeat to Tottenham has led to renewed speculation over Ten Hag’s future after he narrowly avoided losing his job this summer.
It continued a difficult start to the season for the club that has left them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League with just two wins from their first six games.
Erik ten Hag’s former assistant claims Man United manager lacks ‘fire and passion’
Porto vs Man Utd prediction
17:36 , Mike Jones
It is impossible to predict how United will play on any day, though expect a shaky and nervous performance after recent results and pressure.
The fact that Porto fell to a loss against Bodo/Glimt does offer encouragement though, and Erik ten Hag will likely rest fewer players than his Portuguese counterpart.
Porto 1-1 Manchester United.
Predicted line-ups and latest odds
17:30 , Mike Jones
Here’s how we see the two teams lining up to face one another this evening. Man Utd should elect for pace in the forward line with Bruno Fernandes controlling play in midfield once more:
Man Utd XI:Onana; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
As for the latest odds from the bookmakers. United’s indifferent form means that they are only slight favourites to triumph this evening with Porto close behind at 17/10. But, with home advantage the Portuguese side may have the edge with the fans.
Porto 17/10
Draw 9/5
Man Utd 13/10
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Man Utd’s early team news
17:24 , Mike Jones
For United, Sunday’s nightmare against Spurs was made worse by the injury to Kobbie Mainoo, who limped off shortly after Fernandes’ red card. It is unknown how long the England international will be out for, but this game will certainly come too early.
In his absence, expect Casemiro or Christian Eriksen to return to the United side. Fernandes will likely start too, considering he has to sit out the next three league games.
In defence, expect ten Hag to line up with what seems like his preferred back five, with Dalot and Mazraoui as full-backs.
In attack, it may be time to start Rasmus Hojlund as ten Hag fights to save his job, with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho likely to start on the wings.
Porto’s early team news
17:18 , Mike Jones
Porto have no new injury concerns after their straightforward 4-0 win over Arouca last weekend. However, attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira, on loan from Arsenal, is a major doubt after suffering a muscle injury in early September.
Summer signing Samu Omorodion will lead the line, with Galeno, Pepe and Vasco Sousa likely playing behind the striker.
Nico Gonzalez and Alan Varela will anchor the midfield, with Joao Mario, José Pedro, Nehuén Pérez and Francisco Moura the probable back four.
How to watch Porto vs Man Utd
17:12 , Mike Jones
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports. Subscribers will also be able to watch via the Discovery+ app and website.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is Porto vs Manchester United?
17:06 , Mike Jones
Porto vs Manchester United kicks off at 8pm BST tonight, Thursday 3 October, at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal.
The Red Devils are under immense pressure after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Tottenham last week, with rumours circulating that Erik ten Hag has just two games to save his job – this fixture and the weekend’s match away to Aston Villa.
United began their Europa League campaign with a timid, worrying 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente, and they travel to northern Portugal to face a Porto side that sit second in the Primeira Liga, having won six of their seven league matches.
It’s set to be a tense affair at the Estádio do Dragão, and with an unsettled United likely without Kobbie Mainoo, who knows what may happen as these former Champions League winners meet in Europe’s second-string competition.
Good evening!
09:03 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Europa League action as Manchester United face Porto in the league phase.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of a win after a series of draws and a humiliating defeat to Tottenham at the weekend in the Premier League.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in that match but will be available for this evening’s fixture as United look to secure their first European win of the season.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
Man United salvage draw as defensive woes continue
Four days after their 3-0 home humiliation at the hands of Tottenham, the Red Devils put criticism of the players and their under-fire manager to the side with an impressive start in Portugal.
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund had United in control, only for Ten Hag’s men to lose their way and their defensive faculties as Pepe scored before Samu Omorodion’s brilliant brace.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second straight match as Ten Hag squirmed, only for Maguire to head home a Christian Eriksen corner in stoppage time to seal a point.
Penn State and UCLA meet on the football field Saturday for the first since Lyndon B. Johnson was President of the United States and a young Joe Paterno was in his third season as coach of the Nittany Lions.
That’s right, the last time the Bruins and Nittany Lions played each other was in 1968. Penn State beat UCLA 21-7 in Los Angeles, and oddly enough, it was the sixth-straight year the schools met. They were the only six games they’ve ever played. For whatever reason, they decided to get together six straight times, and never called one another again.
Further proof that long-distance relationships can be difficult.
Now that they share a conference, we’re slated to see many more meetings between them in the future, but what can we expect from this first contest as conference foes?
How to watch Penn State vs. UCLA live
Date: Saturday, Oct. 5 | Time: Noon ET Location: Beaver Stadium — University Park, Pennsylvania TV: Fox | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
Penn State vs. UCLA: Need to know
This game marks a rare event for UCLA football: We’ve gone over how rare it is for these teams to play, but what if I told you this was the first time UCLA played a football game in the Eastern Time Zone since 2014? Well, it is. Ten years ago the Bruins travelled to Charlottesville, Virginia for their season-opener against Virginia. They won 28-20. The wait for the next trip won’t take nearly as long. After returning home to face Minnesota next week, the Bruins will be back in the Eastern Time Zone two weeks from now to face Rutgers. So many frequent flyer miles for this program.
This is the fourth straight season Penn State has started 4-0: For some programs, a 4-0 start is something to be excited about. For Penn State, it’s business as usual. Not only have the Nittany Lions started the last four seasons with a 4-0 record, they’ve gone 5-0 in the last three, and are looking to extend that streak to four straight with a win here. Last year the Lions reached 6-0 before losing to Ohio State, and as any Penn State fan will tell you, the strong starts are wonderful, but beating teams like Ohio State and Michigan would mean far more.
Penn State has won 24 straight against unranked teams: As that previous stat would suggest, this is a team that does well against unranked opponents. The streak of 24 straight wins against teams not in the AP Top 25 dates back to the 2021 season when the Nittany Lions lost 20-18 at home to Illinois in nine overtimes. Yes, that’s right, nine overtimes. The Nittany Lions got some revenge last week, beating a ranked Illinois 21-7.
Penn State vs. UCLA prediction, picks
UCLA’s introduction to life in the Big Ten has not been pleasant. The Bruins are 0-2 and have been outscored by 50 points. Both of those games have been at home and they’ve allowed at least 34 points in each of them. Now they’re traveling to Penn State, and it’s hard to imagine a defense that’s been run over by Indiana, LSU and Oregon will fare much better against the Nittany Lions. Perhaps the early start will lead to a sleepy Penn State performance, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Pick: Penn State -27.5
Mohamed Salah scored Liverpool’s second against Bologna (Action Images via Reuters)
Liverpool secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Bologna at Anfield, to continue their flawless start to the 2024/25 Champions League season.
Alexis Mac Allister struck after just 11 minutes, with Mohamed Salah adding another in the second half to put the game beyond Bologna.
The Reds began their European campaign in an impressive manner, easily beating AC Milan 3-1 at the San Siro in what will be one of their most difficult fixtures of the competition’s new league phase.
However, with teams including Real Madrid and German champions Bayer Leverkusen to come, Arne Slot has already secured a crucial three points in his first European night at Anfield.
Bologna have lost both a manager and some key players since qualifying for the competition last season, and they currently languishing in 13th place in Serie A with just seven points, having drawn their opening Champions League match 0-0 with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Follow all the latest build-up, team news and updates below, as well as the reaction to the evening’s other Champions League matches:
Liverpool vs Bologna LIVE
Liverpool face Bologna in their second match of the Champions League league phase, with kick-off at 8pm BST | Live on TNT
The Reds host the Italian side having won the first game of their campaign 3-1 against AC Milan at the San Siro
Bologna drew their first game in the competition 0-0 with Shakhtar Donetsk
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Mac Allister, Salah, Robertson, Gravenberch, Alexander-Arnold
GOAL! Alexis Mac Allister scores – LIV 1-0 BOL [11’]
Half time: Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
GOAL! Mohamed Salah scores second – LIV 2-0 BOL [75’]
Full time: Liverpool 2-0 Bologna
Liverpool FC 2 – 0 Bologna FC 1909
Mac Allister speaks after the match
22:22 , Sonia Twigg
Mac Allister said to TNT Sports: “I’m really happy personally but for the team. He [Alisson] made some good saves. Sometimes I think we need to defend better, at least Ali showed how good he is. I’m happy for him and for the team.”
On his goal: “Yeah to be fair it is quite hard [to miss] you could. A goal is a goal, in this team when we make a run Mo [Salah] can see everything. Really happy for him, I think it was a good night for everyone.
On still transitioning to life under Arne Slot: “It is clear we are in transition, we are happy with the ideas, we are trying to get there. There is room for improvement, that’s why we work very hard every day.”
Full time: Liverpool 2-0 Bologna
21:51 , Sonia Twigg
Full time: Illing-Junior has a good chance with a volley at the edge of the box but cannot direct it goalwards, and that will be the final moment of action.
Ultimately Liverpool were the better side and deserved the three points, although Bologna had a goal disallowed for offside and their intensity did cause problems.
Job done for Liverpool, and their flawless start to the Champions League continues.
Liverpool 2-0 Bologna
21:48 , Sonia Twigg
90 minutes: There are three minutes of added time and Bologna have a free-kick just outside the Liverpool box.
Orsolini takes it and it deflects from the wall behind for a corner.
Liverpool 2-0 Bologna
21:45 , Sonia Twigg
87 minutes: The Bologna manager is just letting frustrations get the better of him as he punches the dugout chair while his side fail to beat the first man from a free kick.
Liverpool 2-0 Bologna
21:40 , Sonia Twigg
82 minutes: The intensity has just gone slightly after Liverpool’s second goal, but Bologna are keeping their high press and they have shown in this match that they can be dangerous.
Liverpool 2-0 Bologna
21:36 , Sonia Twigg
79 minutes: Bologna make two changes after their defence was stretched again, giving Liverpool another chance before the flag went up.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Bologna
21:32 , Sonia Twigg
75 minutes: GOAL! What an incredible strike from Mohamed Salah!
He curls the ball into the corner to double Liverpool’s advantage.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:30 , Sonia Twigg
73 minutes: Szoboszlai attempts an unorthodox scorpion kick to try and play Salah in and it almost works, but the ball was just slightly too far ahead of the Egyptian winger.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:26 , Sonia Twigg
69 minutes: Gakpo and Tsimikas seemingly getting ready to come on as Arne Slot prepares to make another round of substitutions.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:23 , Sonia Twigg
66 minutes: Another ball from Szoboszlai across the box is just out of reach of Diaz.
Liverpool still have their slender lead.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:21 , Sonia Twigg
64 minutes: Salah curls a chance narrowly wide of the target, and Liverpool have come close, but still not added a second in the game so far.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:20 , Sonia Twigg
62 minutes: Diogo Jota comes on for Darwin Nunez, that seems pre-planned at bang on the hour mark, but can the new Liverpool forward find the second that has alluded them so far.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:17 , Sonia Twigg
60 minutes: Liverpool have a corner and a chance to add to their lead but it fails to beat the first man, and Salah’s second delivery is also intercepted.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:14 , Sonia Twigg
57 minutes: Bologna have a chance to counter-attack and they manage to carve out a shot with Urbanski firing well wide of the shot, which was always rising, but it was a good chance.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:10 , Sonia Twigg
53 minutes: Liverpool have had most of the ball since the restart, and there’s another chance to build, but Diaz’s ball is intercepted before it finds Robertson and the attack is thwarted.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:08 , Sonia Twigg
50 minutes: Liverpool commit forward and pass it around but Bologna have a lot of players back and the reds are struggling to find a way through.
Mac Allister tries to find Alexander-Arnold but he takes a heavy touch and the goalkeeper smothers the ball.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:04 , Sonia Twigg
47 minutes: Nunez has a chance! The cross from Salah was floated and just too far behind the striker and he cannot get enough power on it.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
21:02 , Sonia Twigg
46 minutes: Liverpool get the second half underway
Half time: Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:52 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos from the first half:
(REUTERS)
(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Half time: Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:47 , Sonia Twigg
Half time: Liverpool go into the break with the lead, but there were enough chances for Bologna that the reds and Arne Slot will want to address as they go into the second half.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:43 , Sonia Twigg
42 minutes: Salah goes down in the box but the referee is not drawn into giving anything.
Both sets of players may well be looking forward to half time with how energetic this match has been.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:39 , Sonia Twigg
39 minutes: Konate and Beukema have both been shown yellow cards for a bit of pushing and shoving for a Liverpool corner which is punched away by the goalkeeper.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:37 , Sonia Twigg
37 minutes: Since the Bologna onslaught, the game has calmed down a bit slightly as Liverpool have the chance to build again, but Diaz’s touch lets him down and the visitors are able to clear.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:33 , Sonia Twigg
33 minutes: Save! Alisson has to be alert to push the shot from Urbanski wide!
Liverpool are weathering the storm a bit after their early possession.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:32 , Sonia Twigg
32 minutes: Post! Bologna have just grown into this game, and Liverpool don’t look entirely comfortable playing out from the back.
The shot rebounds off the post and Liverpool have been handed a let off.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:31 , Sonia Twigg
The latest from Karl Matchett:
Three times in attempting to play short from goal kicks, Liverpool have lost possession – Alisson is complaining that he’s not being given the right options, though Slot has already spoken that at times he must be ready to go more direct if that’s the case. A fortunate escape from the second occasion, as Konate deflected the effort onto the bar, but the home side’s defensive concerns so far have been largely of their own making.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:29 , Sonia Twigg
29 minutes: Chance! Nunez tries his luck at the other end of the pitch, driving forwards and then shooting rather than passing, but the shot was always rising and sails over the bar.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:29 , Sonia Twigg
28 minutes: Woodwork! A loose ball from Liverpool has been capitalised on by Bologna who take the shot, it deflects onto the crossbar and goes out of play.
That was a bit of a let off for Liverpool.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:26 , Sonia Twigg
26 minutes: Virgil Van Dijk has been shown a yellow card for an arm in the neck of a Bologna player.
It might be a bit harsh.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:23 , Sonia Twigg
23 minutes: Nunez has a shot, it drops perfectly for him, but the angle was too tight and he didn’t get the contact with the ball he would have wanted and fires straight at the goalkeeper.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:19 , Sonia Twigg
19 minutes: Chance! Liverpool probably should have scored, it was almost perfect for Szoboszlai at the far post but that was a big chance missed for Liverpool.
Bologna are struggling to contain the threat of Salah down the right.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:17 , Sonia Twigg
16 minutes: Offside goal! Darwin Nunez has the ball in the back of the net but it has been flagged for offside, he just didn’t hold back enough when starting his run, that would have been the ideal opportunity to go 2-0 up.
Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:15 , Sonia Twigg
Here’s the take so far from our reporter Karl Matchett at Anfield:
It hasn’t quite been one-way traffic, but Liverpool have looked comfortable and confident from the get-go and their midfield is well on top – it’s no surprise that two key components from that area of the pitch combined for the opening goal. Some of the switches of play from defence to wing have been excellent, preventing Bologna from squeezing play or staying compact, and Mac Allister’s run from deep has made the most of that space.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Bologna
20:11 , Sonia Twigg
11 minutes: GOAL! Liverpool have taken the lead!
The cross from Mohamed Salah was inch-perfect and Mac Allister was only a couple of yards out when the ball just glides off his foot and into the net.
Goal disallowed! Liverpool 0-0 Bologna
20:10 , Sonia Twigg
10 minutes: Goal disallowed! Dallinga has the ball in the back of the net, and thought he had put the visitors ahead at Anfield, but the flag goes up for offside and the goal will not stand.
That’s an early warning for Liverpool though.
Liverpool 0-0 Bologna
20:09 , Sonia Twigg
8 minutes: Liverpool are definitely playing a high press, and Nunez is working hard to chase down the goalkeeper and defenders when they get the ball.
Whether this an early tactic, or if they planning on playing the whole match at this tempo remains to be seen
Liverpool 0-0 Bologna
20:06 , Sonia Twigg
6 minutes: Liverpool have kept up the tempo from their early start, and it is a big night for Darwin Nunez, who has a chance to impress his new manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool 0-0 Bologna
20:02 , Sonia Twigg
2 minutes: It’s a stunning ball across the box and Diaz is just unable to reach it, Bologna nearly turned the ball into their own net, but it has been a high tempo start from Liverpool.
Liverpool 0-0 Bologna
20:00 , Sonia Twigg
1 minute: Bologna kick the game underway
Liverpool fans boo Champions League anthem
19:58 , Sonia Twigg
The teams are out, the Champions League anthem has been played, and the match is about to get underway.
Some sections of the Liverpool crowd booed the Champions League anthem.
Liverpool vs Bologna
19:54 , Sonia Twigg
You’ll Never Walk Alone is being played and sung around the ground and the players are about to emerge from the tunnel.
Liverpool vs Bologna
19:52 , Sonia Twigg
The match will get underway in just 10 minutes’ time so here are some photos from around the ground as the atmosphere heats up:
(REUTERS)
(EPA)
(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
What Slot has said
19:45 , Chris Wilson
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot said that he sees “things we have to improve if we want to stay where we are”.
“Every fixture is difficult in the Premier League and we have to do things better. But one of the reasons we can stay up there is we have a lot of quality.
He went on to add that Liverpool “cannot accept mediocrity” and need to show “the highest standards every day”.
On Bologna, he said: “We know how difficult it is to play against a team that man mark.
“We don’t underestimate them at all because that is not what they deserve after their finish last season.”
He finished by adding that he is hoping for “a special night for everyone involved”.
Liverpool match stats
19:30 , Chris Wilson
Bologna will be Liverpool’s 10th different Italian opponent in European competition, after Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma, Genoa, Milan, Fiorentina, Napoli, Udinese, and Atalanta.
The Reds have lost three of their last five at home to Italian sides (W2).
Liverpool have won each of their last 10 group or league stage games at Anfield in major European competitions.
They have scored two or more goals in their last nine in a row. Their last defeat was to an Italian side – they lost 0-2 to Atalanta in November 2020.
The Reds also lost 3-0 to Atalanta in the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season.
Mohamed Salah could become the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive home games in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League. He has scored in all four of his appearances at Anfield in his previous season in this competition (four goals in 2022/23).
Arne Slot’s perfectionism will be defining factor of Liverpool’s Champions League campaign
19:20 , Chris Wilson
As Arne Slot looked forward to his first European night at Anfield, Alexis Mac Allister harked back to his Champions League bow. Which was all of two weeks ago. As the Liverpool midfielder noted, it is remarkable he had won the World Cup before even playing in the premier club competition. “For some people it was a surprise I won a World Cup but I made my debut against [AC] Milan in the Champions League so it is quite crazy,” the Argentina international said.
But, swift as Mac Allister’s rise was, it was nonetheless a sign of Liverpool’s enduring appeal that they could recruit him when in the Europa League. Slot was in the Champions League last season but, while Jurgen Klopp is a Champions League winner and four-time finalist, his predecessor was not.
The Dutchman nevertheless has particular reasons to relish Bologna’s visit to Anfield. “I am privileged enough to work at Feyenoord where Champions League nights last season were also really special. People tell me it will be even more special here tomorrow,” he said.
Slot’s perfectionism will be defining factor of Liverpool’s Champions League campaign
Liverpool v Bologna head-to-head
19:10 , Chris Wilson
These two sides have never previously met in a competitive fixture.
The Reds currently sit 12th in the Champions League’s new league phase table, though they have played a game less than many teams. In the Premier League, Slot’s side sit top of the league with 15 points, one above both Arsenal and Manchester City.
Bologna are seven-time winners of Serie A and finished fourth last season, though they are struggling in 13th this season, with just seven points. They have lost several key personnel since last season, including manager Thiago Motta (who moved to Juventus) and Manchester United signing Joshua Zirkzee.
The unintended effect of the new Champions League – and why Liverpool can benefit
19:00 , Chris Wilson
Heading into the first few weeks of the new Premier League season, one of the most frequent questions aimed Arne Slot’s way was that of rotation. At Feyenoord, he candidly explained, there was little reason to switch up his first team too much; fewer league games, one fewer domestic cup to navigate and more difficulty in reaching the latter stages of Europe. His final campaign at the Eredivisie side saw Slot’s team play only 48 matches – and that included the Johan Cruyff Shield, the Dutch season-opener, and going the distance to win the KNVB Cup.
A few weeks later and the new Liverpool boss has shown a deft hand at altering his lineup without, so far, dramatically reducing the quality on show; while the performance against West Ham was somewhat stutteringafter nine changes, so too was the win over Wolves with a regular first XI in place.
League Cup aside, Slot has shown an early preference for making a couple of switches, keeping the bulk of his starters in situ and letting others find form and push for places two or three at a time. Cody Gakpowas perhaps the first to stake his claim; more recently, Curtis Jones has done likewise.
The unintended effect of the new Champions League – and why Liverpool can benefit
Liverpool team news
18:48 , Sonia Twigg
Liverpool made one change, with Darwin Nunez starting against Bologna and Diogo Jota on the bench.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Mac Allister, Salah, Robertson, Gravenberch, Alexander-Arnold
The line-ups will be announced in just under 10 minutes, but here’s a reminder of the early team news.
The Reds have Alisson back and have three potential absentees as a result. Harvey Elliott is definitely out, while Federico Chiesa has suffered a muscular injury that could rule him out until the international break. Darwin Nunez, who missed the weekend game through illness, is the other doubt.
Lewis Ferguson, Oussama El Azzouzi and Tommaso Pobega are the three likely absentees for Bologna.
Liverpool suffer Federico Chiesa injury blow – but another forward set to return
18:30 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has suffered an injury blow that denies him a first Champions League night at Anfield and could rule him out until the international break.
The Italy international has a muscular problem that means he will sit out Wednesday’s game against Bologna and makes him a doubt for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Manager Arne Slot believes it will be a particular blow for Chiesa, a £10m summer signing from Juventus, to miss a match against against a team from his home country.
Liverpool suffer Chiesa injury blow – but another forward set to return
Arsenal’s impressive win over PSG shows the Champions League has surrendered its competitive edge
18:20 , Chris Wilson
A “big Champions League night” that ended up being quite a nice run-out for Arsenal. Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain looked less a sportswashing project and more a youth project. The level of superiority in this 2-0 win is again to Arsenal’s credit, but should also be a worry for Uefa.
This was one of the big-name fixtures that the new Champions League was sold on – more games between the best, more fixtures, more, more, more – and yet it didn’t really feel like either side treated it as a match of much consequence. It was a world away, say, from 2000-01 when Lyon came to North London and Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal absolutely knew they had to do something.
If it is by now becoming tedious to read about these issues, it is worth remembering that such themes only arise because very little of consequence happens on the pitch. Here, in just the second of eight games, Arsenal got the win that already puts them more than halfway to the top 24.
How the Champions League surrendered its competitive edge
Prediction & odds
18:10 , Chris Wilson
Odds
Liverpool 1/6
Draw 6/1
Bologna 14/1
Prediction
The Reds to record another home victory against a side struggling to match their own exploits of last term.
Liverpool 2-0 Bologna.
Predicted line-ups
18:05 , Chris Wilson
LIV – Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Jota
The Reds have Alisson back and have only two potential absentees as a result – Harvey Elliott, who is definitely out, and Darwin Nunez, who missed the weekend game through illness.
Lewis Ferguson, Oussama El Azzouzi and Tommaso Pobega are the three likely absentees for Bologna.
Is Liverpool vs Bologna on TV tonight? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Champions League fixture
17:50 , Chris Wilson
When is the match?
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 2 October at Anfield.
Where can I watch it?
All Champions League games are shown on TNT Sports in the UK. This game is on TNT Sports 2 and can be streamed for subscribers on the discovery+ app.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Liverpool vs Bologna LIVE
17:40 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool will attempt to make it two wins from two in the new-look Champions League, with their first home encounter of the European campaign coming against Serie A side Bologna.
The Reds won in relative comfort at the weekend despite a poor overall performance against Wolves, but have generally been impressive this term and sit top of the Premier League table. They also saw off another Italian outfit in AC Milan in the first gameweek in Europe.
Bologna haven’t faced Milan yet in their domestic league, but they sit four points behind them and nine places lower in the table after managing just two wins from six to-date, 12th following a home draw with Atalanta at the weekend.
Arne Slot may opt to change one or two from his starting lineup following a low-key weekend outing, particularly given the lack of real concern over progression from this stage of the Champions League.
Liverpool vs Bologna LIVE
17:31 , Chris Wilson
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League match between Liverpool and Bologna.
Arne Slot’s side face another Italian side in their second match in the competition this season, having put in an impressive performance in their opener as they beat AC Milan 3-1 at the San Siro.
Bologna have had a mixed start to the season and drew their opener 0-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk, though a trip to Anfield is certain to give them another gear in tonight’s match.
Manchester City eased to a 4-0 victory against Slovan Bratislava in the second match of their 2024/25 Champions League campaign.
With over 20 shots in the game, Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring in the eighth minute, with Phil Foden adding a second in the 15th minute. Erling Haaland and James McAtee doubled the visitors’ lead in the second half to ensure the comfortable victory.
Pep Guardiola’s side sit second in the Premier League after a somewhat disappointing draw against Newcastle last weekend, and they’re looking for their first three points of the new European campaign this week after drawing 0-0 at home to Inter Milan last time out.
The Cityzens have lost Rodri for the remainder of the season and will be without Kevin De Bruyne in the Slovak capital, though they come up against a Slovan Bratislava side that lost 5-1 to Celtic in their European opener on 18 September.
Follow all the latest Champions League updates with our live blog below:
Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City LIVE
REPORT: Man City defeat Slovan Bratislava in their second Champions League match
FT Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
74’ GOAL! James McAtee scores fourth (SLB 0-4 MCI)
58’ GOAL! Haaland adds a third (SLB 0-3 MCI)
15’ GOAL! Foden doubles the lead! (SLB 0-2 MCI)
8’ GOAL! Gundogan scores! (SLB 0-1 MCI)
ŠK Slovan Bratislava 0 – 4 Manchester City FC
Manchester City brush Slovan Bratislava aside, but performance hints at key weakness
22:19 , Sonia Twigg
Manchester City eased to their first victory of this season’s Champions League as they brushed Slovan Bratislava aside 4-0 in Slovakia on Tuesday.
Early goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden put them in command before Erling Haaland’s 42nd goal in 41 appearances in the competition and another from substitute James McAtee added the gloss.
City also hit the woodwork three times in a dominant performance that added impetus to their campaign after their draw with Inter Milan earlier this month.
Phil Foden said after the match: “Yeah amazing. Great result, great atmosphere as well. It’s nice to play in the Champions League again.
“Very happy with the performance, I know there’s still things I can work on and get better, I’m still a little bit rusty. Like I said I’m happy with my performance and the team performance.
“I love it, the atmosphere is very good, it was a great experience.”
Full time: Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:49 , Sonia Twigg
FT: City may leave Bratislava disappointed they didn’t add more goals to their tally.
After having the opening shot of the game, the home side did not find a foothold in the game, and City eased to victory.
Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:46 , Sonia Twigg
90 minutes: There will be two minutes of added time.
Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:45 , Sonia Twigg
88 minutes: Doku wins a corner. Gundogan takes it and Stones heads it towards the goal, but it’s a good save from the Slovan goalkeeper.
Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:40 , Sonia Twigg
84 minutes: Doku has caused problems down the wing all match and shows no signs of stopping as he puts another ball in the box looking for a player in burgundy, but it’s cleared and City will mount another attack.
Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:38 , Sonia Twigg
80 minutes: City are on the hunt for a fifth, the ball is pulled back towards Grealish, but he wasn’t quite ready and nothing comes of it.
GOAL! James McAtee! Slovan Bratislava 0-4 Man City
21:31 , Sonia Twigg
74 minutes: GOAL! James McAtee scores his first Champions League goal after being chipped in by Phil Foden and he takes a touch before firing into the back of th net.
Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:27 , Sonia Twigg
70 minutes: City have had 20 shots tonight, but still just the three goals to show for it. Bayern Munich scored nine in their opening Champions League match and after the first round of fixtures were top of the table.
Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:26 , Sonia Twigg
69 minutes: With all the substitutions, the intensity of the match has just dropped slightly, although City continue to dominate possession.
Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:20 , Sonia Twigg
63 minutes: Changes for Slovan, the captain has just been taken off by his dad, the coach. He also spent time in Man City’s youth team along side Kieran Trippier many years ago.
Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:17 , Sonia Twigg
60 minutes: That will be Haaland’s last involvement and he comes off to be replaced by James McAtee, Ruben Dias on for Akanji.
There was a brief VAR check for a penalty, but City have not been given a chance to add to their tally.
GOAL! Haaland strikes – Slovan Bratislava 0-3 Man City
21:15 , Sonia Twigg
58 minutes: GOAL! The moment Slovan get forward they are broken immediately and Haaland is played straight through the middle of the two centre backs, he takes the ball round the goalkeeper and just slots it into the back of the net.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:14 , Sonia Twigg
57 minutes: City are struggling to turn their possession into goals, it might be entirely last-ditch defending with the occasional punt up front for Slovan, but they have still not conceded since the 15th minute.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:10 , Sonia Twigg
53 minutes: Chance! Haaland has moved cleverly at the far post to beat his marker, he jumps high but his header is way off target.
Another chance for City goes begging.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:07 , Sonia Twigg
50 minutes: It’s just wave after wave of City attacks, Doku has a cross blocked, then the ball doesn’t quite fall for Haaland and it’s scrambled clear.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:04 , Sonia Twigg
47 minutes: Foden has been nutmegged! He might have scored already but he has been completely done there, that was a nice bit of skill from the Slovan player.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
21:02 , Sonia Twigg
46 minutes: The second half is underway
Half time: Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:53 , Sonia Twigg
Here are some photos of the first half:
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Half time: Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:46 , Sonia Twigg
Half time: Phil Foden could have had a hat-trick himself, and City have hit the woodwork three times in addition to their opening two goals.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:45 , Sonia Twigg
43 minutes: City will be pleased with how they’ve gone at half time, although it remains to be seen how big a part goal difference will play in the final table and they could be on the hunt for a few more in the second half.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:40 , Sonia Twigg
40 minutes: Foden fires another volley wide after the goalkeeper stuck his leg out to deny a Savinho ball across the box.
Gundogan hits the woodwork for a third time! The goalkeeper was just watching the ball but it hit the woodwork between the post and crossbar.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:38 , Sonia Twigg
38 minutes: Foden has had another shot but drags it wide, Slovan then had a chance to try and build possession and ended up with a free kick in the City half which will relieve some pressure, even though it doesn’t beat the first man.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:35 , Sonia Twigg
35 minutes: After 34 minutes of play, Slovan have completed less than 50 passes, while City are nearing 250.
That sums up the discrepancy between the sides in this Champions League clash.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:33 , Sonia Twigg
32 minutes: But after committing, Slovan are almost hit on the break, Doku sprints forward and puts the ball across the box, but it’s just behind Erling Haaland and he cannot capitalise.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:32 , Sonia Twigg
30 minutes: It is starting to feel like a case of when rather than if City will add another. The crowd have kept going inspired by the person on the mike.
Slovan get forward, but the ball doesn’t fall in the box for them to create anything.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:27 , Sonia Twigg
26 minutes: POST! Foden tried his luck from distance, the goalkeeper can only parry it onto the post and hope it bounced favourably which it did.
City have a strong lead and they could easily have more!
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:24 , Sonia Twigg
23 minutes: Post! Doku has hit the woodwork! Another chance for City, and they’re already comfortably ahead.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:21 , Sonia Twigg
20 minutes: Slovan are just camped outside their box and cannot get clear, it’s going to be a long night for them if this continues.
The crowd have not stopped though.
Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:17 , Sonia Twigg
17 minutes: Haaland should have made it three! He had a great chance to put the ball into the back of the net, but it was too close to the goalkeeper who was able to make the save.
GOAL! Phil Foden scores! Slovan Bratislava 0-2 Man City
20:16 , Sonia Twigg
15 minutes: GOAL! Phil Foden doubles City’s lead! It was a perfect strike in his first start this season, expertly curled into the corner.
Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Man City
20:14 , Sonia Twigg
12 minutes: As expected, City have dominated the possession and given the heavy beating at the hands of Celtic, Slovan might just have to weather the storm for as long as they can.
GOAL! Gundogan scores for City! Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Man City
20:09 , Sonia Twigg
8 minutes: GOAL! City have broken the deadlock, Gundogan scores his first goal since coming back to City, it’s deflected into the back of the net giving the goalkeeper no chance
Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Man City
20:04 , Sonia Twigg
4 minutes: Haaland drives on the edge of the box and pulls the ball back in the direction of Phil Foden, but the ball is behind hi and the home side are able to clear.
Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Man City
20:03 , Sonia Twigg
2 minutes: Chance! Slovan Bratislava have had an early chance! They break on the counter attack and the shot is just wide of the goal!
Slovan Bratislava 0-0 Man City
20:01 , Sonia Twigg
1 minute: Man City kick the game underway
Slovan Bratislava v Man City
19:58 , Sonia Twigg
The teams are out, the Champions League anthem is being played, and the match is about to get underway.
Slovan Bratislava v Man City
19:55 , Sonia Twigg
Instead of drums, Slovan Bratislava have a female violinist and another woman playing the electric guitar, they are getting the fans well and truly up for this one.
Slovan Bratislava coach on facing Man City
19:50 , Mike Jones
Vladimír Weiss Sr said: “We will welcome one of the best teams in the world. They won the Champions League a year ago.
“Our opponents are the favourites not only for this match, but for the whole competition. We have to enjoy it. I believe that with the fans behind us we can reach our limits.”
City head to Slovakia
19:44 , Mike Jones
Manchester City will take on Champions League debutants Slovan Bratislava on a run of only one win in four games and trying to adjust to the loss of lynchpin Rodri.
Pep Guardiola changed shape away to Newcastle at the weekend with Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis sitting in front of the defence, but they were far from their fluid best in a 1-1 draw and further refinements are clearly needed.
City are clear favourites in Bratislava, where avoiding defeat will see them match Manchester United’s record of 25 games unbeaten in this competition.
Man City’s Champions League successes
19:37 , Mike Jones
This is Man City’s 14th successive season in the Champions League. They have featured in every campaign since 2011/12 and have reached the knockout stages in each of the last 11.
Having claimed the club’s first Champions League title in 2022/23, Pep Guardiola’s side won all six group games for the first time last season to finish six points clear of RB Leipzig in the standings.
That was the seventh successive season in which City had come first in their group.
City then beat Copenhagen in the round of 16 but lost an epic quarter-final against eventual champions Real Madrid – the third season in a row in which they had faced the Spanish side.
Slovan Bratislava vs Man City
19:30 , Mike Jones
Slovan have won all four home European matches this season – scoring 14 goals – as many victories as in their previous 13 games (six draws, three defeats).
Weiss Jr on his time at Man City
19:22 , Mike Jones
“I have the best memories of my time at City,” said Slovan Bratislava’s captain when reminiscing about the start to his professional career.
“It was an amazing achievement to break through to the first team at a young age with the players that were already in the squad. With time, there were better and better players and with Mancini coming in, my chances were getting smaller.
“I am always going to watch City, not just because they’re my first club but because they play the best football in the world for me. To watch City for me is a pleasure. I’m following the club and it’s a club that’s always going to stay in my heart.”
A City homecoming for Weiss
19:15 , Mike Jones
Vladimir Weiss Jr moved to Manchester as a teenager and came through the City Academy. He scored in the 2008 FA Youth Cup final as City’s youth side defeated Chelsea to lift the trophy.
Weiss then played five times for the senior team before joining Bolton Wanderers, Rangers and Espanyol on loan before eventually moving to Pescara on a permanent deal in 2012.
Now, he captains Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League and the former City winger will look to get one over on his old club.
Arsenal and Man City’s heated rivalry has just reached a new level of tension
19:07 , Chris Wilson
Mikel Arteta eventually felt he had to speak, specifically in order to quieten things down. You couldn’t have a clearer indication of how the Manchester City–Arsenal tensions had reached a peak, after all, than Pep Guardiola himself willingly bringing up the “115 charges”. Some City officials had previously bristled at the media or anyone else mentioning the prospect of the club being punished, and yet here was their most important football figure putting it front and centre of the week’s biggest story.
That showed how affected Guardiola had been by Arteta’s admittedly open-ended comments from Tuesday. The Arsenal manager had spoken about how he has “all the information” on City, having worked at the club for almost four years. Arteta was actually talking about gamesmanship, given all the criticism of his own team over “dark arts”, but the way it was said could have easily been portrayed as talking about the hearing. Guardiola evidently felt that way.
The Slovan Bratislava manager spoke with praise about his opposit number tonight: “I like many coaches – Ancelotti, Klopp, Bielsa – but Guardiola is unique.
“He had changed football. Every player in the team plays in his position and all of them know what their job is on the pitch. This approach makes him a special and outstanding coach.”
Pep Guardiola makes six changes for his side’s match against Slovan Bratislava, with Ortega, Stones, Nunes, Savinho, Foden and Doku all coming into the side.
Man City XI: Ortega, Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol, Gundogan, Nunes, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
The problem facing Man City stretches beyond Rodri’s injury absence
18:38 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City began without one of the outstanding individuals of last season. No, not that one. Or not just that one, anyway. Rodri was the most conspicuous absentee at St James’ Park on Saturday as, barring an injury to Erling Haaland, he will be for the rest of the campaign. But Phil Fodenstarted on the bench. His bit-part role has been camouflaged by the sudden realisation that Rodri will have no part to play in the next nine months, but it is less than six weeks since Foden was anointed PFA Player of the Year.
It is an understatement to say his candidature for a second successive award has had a slow start. City have played six league games this season. Foden has begun none. Euro 2024 was why he was an opening-day replacement against Chelsea. He missed two matches through illness, spent the next as an unused substitute and came on in the last two. Perhaps it is a fact that points to potential improvement for City: Foden, scorer of 27 goals last time around, could provide an injection of excellence for a Rodri-less side.
The problem facing Man City stretches beyond Rodri’s injury absence
Man City prepare to face Slovan Bratislava
18:30 , Mike Jones
The training sessions are done and dusted ahead of kick off at 8pm tonight.
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Stones on Rodri’s recovery
18:22 , Mike Jones
“[Rodrigo’s injury] was difficult news for us all to take. I spoke to Rodri yesterday and he’s doing well, recovering,” Stones said, “It’s sad for the standard he has set over the last season has been incredible.
“We know what a key player he is for us, but we want him to be back quickly. We know it will be a long time, but we have a lot of quality players capable of filling in in that position.
“He was in good spirits. Now he knows what’s happened and knows his process to get back, he’s come to terms with it. He is over in Spain with his family. He needs to take time now to relax and recover as best he can.”
Stones ready to ‘fullfil’ Rodri role
18:15 , Mike Jones
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri will miss the rest of the campaign after having to undergo surgery in the wake of an ACL injury sustained in last week’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
City teammate John Stones says he is ‘100 per cent’ ready to fill the midfield void left by Rodri’s absence if called on by Pep Guardiola.
He said: “If called upon 100%. It happened a lot over the past two years, me going into midfield. It was difficult in the 2023 Champions League final as I was higher up, which was new for me [but] I enjoyed it.
“Whatever position I am asked to play, or whoever plays midfield, has played there before and knows what’s asked of them by the manager.
“And hopefully we can recreate even better moments than the Champions League final.”
(Action Images via Reuters)
Kovacic, Lewis, Stones? How Manchester City replace injured Rodri
18:08 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City appear to have suffered a major blow with Rodri set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against Arsenal.
The midfielder was substituted in the first half of the clash of Premier League rivals at the Etihad Stadium, with the club confirming that he has suffered ligament damage.
It is an injury that may render the 28-year-old unavailable for the rest of the campaign, leaving Pep Guardiola without his key midfield fulcrum.
While the Manchester City manager often rotates elsewhere, Rodri is firmly established as a vital figure at the base of midfield and rarely misses the club’s biggest games.
But an expensively-assembled squad does provide Guardiola with a number of alternative options as he looks to replace the Spaniard:
Slovan Bratislava won two of their first three games against English clubs with both home first legs – 2-0 against Tottenham in the 1962/63 European Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final and 1-0 against Derby in the 1975/76 European Cup first round.
They went on to lose those ties 2-6 and 1-3 on aggregate and have since lost seven of their subsequent nine matches against English opposition, drawing twice.
The last outing against an English team came in the 2019/20 Europa League where Slovan lost 1-2 at home and 0-1 away against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the group stage, making it five successive defeats by English teams.
Slovan play with ‘courage’ says Guardiola
17:52 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola is anticipating a tough test for his players this evening when they take on Slovan Bratislava and explained how watching their match against Celtic showed him that City’s opponents play with courage.
“This is a team that I would say plays with courage,” he said, “I saw the game against Glasgow Celtic and they were not scared to play.
“Not scared to link with their striker and they want to try it. The Champions League it doesn’t matter, I always have incredible respect for all the teams, especially when you play away.
“Hopefully we can be an aggressive team again and take a result.”
Guardiola provides De Bruyne update
17:45 , Mike Jones
Pep Guardiola says that he is hoping Kevin De Bruyne will be back in contention for selection after the October international break.
The midfielder was forced off during City’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan earlier this month and missed their next three matches with a thigh issue.
“Hopefully after the international break he [Kevin] will be back,” Guardiola said, “Everybody is ready – we will put out the best team possible to compete and beat them.”
Rodri ruled out for rest of season after Man City star undergoes surgery
17:37 , Chris Wilson
Rodri has been ruled out for the remainder of the season by Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City confirmed the Spanish midfielder has successfully undergone surgery.
Rodri suffered ACL and meniscus damage to his knee in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
“He had surgery this morning,” Guardiola said. “ACL and some meniscus. So, next season he will be here. This season is over [for him].”
Rodri ruled out for rest of season after Man City star undergoes surgery
Slovan Bratislava vs Man City prediction
17:30 , Chris Wilson
Man City should easily be able to make it a first win in Europe this term, even with rotations in the squad and probably the starting 11. They should also triumph in style and comfort.
Slovan 0-4 Man City.
Slovan Bratislava vs Man City predicted line-ups and latest odds
17:22 , Chris Wilson
Here’s how we think the two teams will line up against each other this evening though there is always the possibility that Pep Guardiola springs a surprise with the players at his disposal:
Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Nunes, Kovacic, Savinho, Foden, Grealish, Haaland
As for the latest odds from the bookmakers, it should come as no surprise that City are the overwhelming favourites to win this one despite playing away from home:
Slovan 50/1
Draw 17/1
City 1/25
What is the early team news?
17:15 , Chris Wilson
Rodri is Man City’s main injury concern with the midfielder out for the long term. Oscar Bobb and Nathan Ake are also sidelined, but City will hope Kevin de Bruyne is back to full fitness to play some part at least.
Lukas Pauschek is out for Slovan, while Kenan Bajric is a doubt. Their attacking line should include former Man City starlet Vladimir Weiss, now aged 34, and one of Slovakia’s starting forwards from their Euro 2024 last-16 clash with England, in David Strelec.
When is Slovan Bratislava vs Man City?
17:07 , Chris Wilson
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 1 October.
Most Champions League games are shown on TNT Sports in the UK. This game is on TNT Sports 1 and can be streamed for subscribers on the discovery+ app.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City
17:00 , Chris Wilson
Manchester City will be looking for their first win in the new Champions League format when they head to Slovakia on Tuesday, to take on Slovan Bratislava.
Pep Guardiola’s side are on an unusual run of just one win in four games across all competitions, though the others were all draws and they have faced Arsenal and Inter Milan in that run. Even so, failing to beat Newcastle last time out will have irked the reigning Premier League champions, as they lost top spot to Liverpool in the process and have now kept just one clean sheet in their last seven games.
Slovan Bratislava have won seven out of eight domestically and sit top of the Super Liga as a result, but were absolutely hammered by Celtic in their Champions League opener, losing 5-1 in Glasgow.
That result raised questions of competitiveness in this expanded league format, and even on home soil they must be fearing the type of scoreline an in-form Erling Haaland might be able to raise.
Good evening!
14:15 , Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action as Manchester City travel to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava in their second league phase fixture.
City’s opening Champions League match ended in a 0-0 draw with Inter Milan and Pep Guardiola’s team head into this match in need of a win. They also drew 1-1 with Newcastle in their latest Premier League outing having also failed to beat a 10-man Arsenal team just before.
Slova Bratislava are perhaps the perfect team for City to face. They lost their first Champions League match 5-1 to Celtic and with City’s added firepower it could be another difficult night for the Slovakian side.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
Welcome to Matchday 2 of the 2024-25 Champions League season! Europe’s premier club competition returns in its new format with nine matches across the continent on Tuesday, providing exciting matchups, top talent and drama.
Enjoy the play-by-play from all the games as Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona face Young Boys, Bayer Leverkusen host AC Milan and much more.
