Manchester City will travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid in the first leg of the round of 16 tie in the Champions League. After Manchester City’s ban, the game has added implications for the English champions, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that this might be the biggest game in their Champions League history.
With Real Madrid dropping points in back to back La Liga games, City would hope that they can get the better of their Spanish rivals. However, Madrid has often managed to raise their game during the big European nights, and everyone is waiting with bated breath for this fascinating encounter.
What to expect from Manchester City
Guardiola doesn’t have the best of records when it comes to setting up his team for the big European games. Some say he often overthinks it but at the end its the player who needs to take responsibility on the pitch. City are likely to line up in their usual 4-3-3 formation. Last season, City played a conservative game against Tottenham in the away leg, and Guardiola might not go gung-ho from the off. The first goal could be crucial, and that could dictate how this game might go down. It won’t be surprising if this tie becomes a cagey affair. Both teams know that a loss here could ruin the rest of their season.
What to expect from Real Madrid
The Galacticos could also lineup in a 4-3-3 formation. Zidane’s men have lost form just at the wrong time of the season and based on the current form; many might see City as the favourites. However, Zidane and his current lot of players know a thing or two about playing the big Champions League game, and they would be banking on that experience to blunt City’s free-flowing football. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Madrid playing on the counter even at their home.
Team News
Manchester City
Raheem Sterling is expected to be fit in time for this encounter. Leroy Sane has recovered from his long term injury, but he is still battling to regain full match fitness. Aymeric Laporte went off early in the last league game, but it seemed more like a precautionary measure. The French defender should be ready to start.
Predicted Lineup: Ederson; Walker, Fernandinho, Laporte, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo; Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling
Real Madrid
Eden Hazard is set to be out for the rest of the season, and that is going to be a significant blow for Zidane. Gareth Bale missed the last tie due to sickness, but he is expected to be ready for this one. Marco Asensio is a long term absentee.
Predicted Lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Isco
Key Men
Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne will undoubtedly look to influence the game from midfield. He has the killer pass in his locker to open up defences, and he can carry the ball well from midfield. One cannot also rule out the Belgian’s long-range attempts, and Madrid will need to make sure they don’t give him too much space to dictate the game.
Real Madrid
Casemiro will have a pivotal role to play in defensive midfield. The Brazilian is one of the best in the world in his position, and he will need to keep track of City attackers who are often clever with their movement and passing.
Odds
Manchester City Win: 7/5
Real Madrid Win: 7/4
Draw: 11/4
