Man City managed to return to the top of the Premier League table after beating Burnley but next up, they will take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
City are one of the most attacking sides in the whole of Europe and on the other hand, Atletico Madrid are an ultra defensive-minded side so this tie is going to be the contest of two extremes.
Manchester City are the slight favourites to pick up a win this week at the Etihad but if any team can shut out Pep Guardiola’s side then it is Atletico. Interestingly, City haven’t lost in their previous seven matches, whereas ATM have not lost in their last eight outings.
Man City will need to be at the top of their game if they wish to move into the next round and since there are no away goals, Atletico can afford to sit deep and see this one out and then decide the fate of the quarter-final on their home turf.
Man City team news vs Atletico Madrid:
Pep Guardiola has only a handful of injuries but the absence of Ruben Dias is going to be a major blow. Dias is going to be out for a few more weeks which means John Stones and Aymeric Laporte are going to pair up in central defence.
Just a reminder that Ruben Dias is only 24 years old ⭐ pic.twitter.com/AVmTA5TBXB
— ManCityzens (@ManCityzenscom) March 27, 2022
Kyle Walker has served his suspension so he will come straight back into the side and this is a major selection boost for the Man City manager.
Ilkay Gundogan scored against Burnley but the German international will make way for Bernardo Silva in the middle of the pitch.
Grealish had another poor outing against Burnley and there’s a chance the winger could be moved to the bench as Sterling takes up the role on the left-hand side. Sterling provided two assists this weekend so he does not deserves to be dropped.
Riyad Mahrez remained an unused sub against Sean Dyche’s side but the winger should be getting a start at the Etihad against Atletico Madrid.
Guardiola still puts a lot of faith in Jack Grealish but he will need in-form players to be able to crack open Atletico Madrid’s defence.
3 points in the right direction! Big couple of months ahead 💪🏻💙 pic.twitter.com/p6o5ymv2jn
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) April 2, 2022
Man City do not have the biggest bench strength so if they can’t break down Simeone’s side then Guardiola will not have too many options to fall back to.
Prediction:
Man City 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Man City vs Atletico Madrid odds:
Man City to win: 1.33
Draw: 4.75
Atletico to win: 9
Man City predicted line up vs Atletico Madrid:
Possible Starting Line-up(4-3-3): Ederson; Cancelo, Laporte, John Stones, Walker; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Sterling/Grealish, Foden, Riyad Mahrez.
Stats via Fotmob.
