Man City are just one step away from clinching the Premier League title but this week, their undivided focus will be on facing Real Madrid.
Manchester City welcome Madrid to the Etihad for the second leg of the semi-final of the Champions League and the two-legged tie is perfectly balanced at 1-1.
Everyone thought Man City will blow away Real Madrid but Carlo Ancelotti’s team knew exactly what to do in the first leg. However, City are a totally different beast at home because they are unbeaten in 18 home at the Etihad Stadium plus they have won their last three home matches against Real Madrid across all competitions.
This one is going to be a cracker and despite Madrid’s European eliteness Manchester City will go into this second leg as the slight favourites, primarily because they will be playing in front of their home crowd.
Manchester City’s team news and injuries:
Nathan Ake is the only injury doubt for this match and even though he is recovering well, we don’t think Pep will risk using him against someone like Valverde or Rodrygo.
Last week, the Man City manager had told the press: ‘I think he’s much better, but I don’t know. Today we finally had a day off. Now we have training in a few hours, and we will see.’
He was not in the squad against Everton and at best, he could start on the bench in midweek. With Ake missing, Walker will play on the right-hand side with Manuel Akanji operating on the left.
John Stones and Kevin de Bruyne were both rested against the Toffees so they are going to come back. Gundogan scored twice playing alongside Rodri at the weekend but with Stones coming in, Gundogan will operate in a more advanced role on Wednesday.
Haaland scored yet another league goal and in the second leg, he will have to shine if Man City wish to knock out Real Madrid. At the Bernabeu, Haaland was brilliantly marshalled by Antonio Rudiger but the Norwegian international will have to come up with a tactic to outsmart the Madrid defender.
Phil Foden and Mahrez were both superb against Everton but they will drop to the bench, making way for Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva.
Man City predicted line up vs Real Madrid:
Predicted starting line up(3-2-4-1): Ederson; Akanji, Ruben Dias, Walker; Rodri, Stones; Grealish, De Bruyne, Silva, Gundogan; Haaland.
