Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to reinstate several of his key stars for Tuesday’s clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The Blues head to the Spanish capital eager for revenge after last season’s capitulation in the Champions League semi-final. Meeting at the same stage of the tournament again this season, City will hope for a first-leg advantage ahead of the decisive reverse fixture next week at the Etihad.
City also head into the away game in great form. It’s been over three months since the team lost a game and they’ve won 15 of their last 16 in all competitions. Even the solitary slip-up in that run wasn’t a negative result given it was a second-leg draw away to Bayern Munich following a 3-0 home win.
Last time out, City won 2-1 at home to Leeds United, courtesy of Ilkay Gundogan’s brace in the first half. Pep Guardiola also rested a number of players in that game, which could hint at who might start against Real.
Ruben Dias, John Stones and Jack Grealish were unused substitutes, while Kyle Walker, Rodri and Bernardo Silva came off the bench. There is, however, a concern about a key City player with Nathan Ake having to come off in the second half.
The Dutchman has only recently recovered from a hamstring issue and had to be replaced after dropping to the turf in the 53rd minute. With all that in mind, here’s how we think City will line up for Tuesday’s first leg…
1. GK: Ederson
Played all the knockout matches this season in the Champions League.
2. RB: Kyle Walker
Given the threat of Vinicius Junior, Guardiola might opt for the more defensively robust Walker at right-back.
3. CB: John Stones
Might not have as much licence to step into midfield with Karim Benzema playing up top.
4. CB: Ruben Dias
Rested at the weekend and almost certain to return to the team.