Confirmed XIs for Man City vs Napoli encounter

Having finally lifted the Champions League trophy in 2023, Manchester City suffered the sting of an early elimination a year later, beaten over two legs by 15-time winners Real Madrid in a play-off for a place in the knock-out stages.

The bookmakers are not putting Pep Guardiola's side among the foremost favourites this term, with Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal and holders Paris Saint-Germain all rated as stronger contenders.

Yet City's determination to make their mark will be sharpened by the fact that they finished last season without silverware for the first time in eight years. Domestically, the start to the new Premier League campaign has been uneven.

Two defeats in their opening three fixtures raised questions, but those doubts were partly dispelled at the weekend when they dismantled Manchester United 3-0 at the Etihad.

That performance, led by the relentless Erling Haaland and the invention of Phil Foden, suggested a side intent on rediscovering their familiar rhythm.

Napoli arrive as champions of Italy and with a familiar face in their ranks. Kevin De Bruyne, a figure synonymous with City's rise over the past decade, returns to the Etihad for the first time since his summer move.

City know that European nights at the Etihad often set the tone for their season. Against a disciplined Napoli side and with an old favourite in opposition, Thursday promises both an emotional reunion and a searching test of their credentials.

Manchester City starting XI: Donnarumma (GK); Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly; Rodri, Reijnders, Foden; Silva, Doku and Haaland.

Napoli starting XI: Milinkovic-Savic (GK); Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Lobotka; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Hojlund.