Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte lock horns at the Etihad in one of the standout Champions League fixtures of the opening league phase gameweek.
Kevin De Bruyne is preparing for a rather swift return to the home of his former club, having opted for pastures new in the form of Conte’s Napoli in the summer. The Belgian spent a decade with Manchester City, establishing himself as one of the club’s all-time greats.
Guardiola has said he’s looking forward to welcoming the "unique" De Bruyne back to his old stomping ground, but his priority on Thursday will be improving his head-to-head record against the wily Conte, who oversaw Napoli’s success last season.
The visitors will know they’re not facing a vintage iteration of Guardiola's City, although spirits will be high at the Etihad following Sunday’s 3–0 victory in the Manchester Derby.
Here is’s guide to De Bruyne’s Etihad return.
