After thrashing Luton Town 5-1 in the Premier League, Manchester City are preparing for their second leg against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final round. The English side settled for a 3-3 draw in the away first fixture.
The Citizens showed great fighting spirits after being 2-1 down at a stage of the game. With crowd support, Pep Guardiola’s men will look to repeat the heroics similar to last season at the Etihad Stadium. However, one would be foolish to underestimate the Spanish giants as they have all the resources to script history on Wednesday night.
4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Real Madrid
Defence
Ederson finally returned between the sticks in the previous game after being sidelined due to injury. He is expected to start the game against Real Madrid ahead of Stefan Ortega. Kyle Walker missed the first leg due to an injury but should be walking into the XI. He will obviously be told to keep Vinicius Junior in check.
John Stones missed the game against Luton Town due to a niggle but Pep Guardiola insisted that the Englishman has no injury concerns. Hence, he is likely to form the centre-back duo with Ruben Dias. No doubt Josko Gvardiol will be deployed on the left full-back position.
Midfield
Rodri returns to the lineup after a much-needed rest and he will have the company of Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in the midfield. The Belgium midfielder missed the first leg due to illness but has fully recovered.
Attack
Erling Haaland continues as the striker for the Citizens. He had a quiet night at Real Madrid’s home but would be eager to turn on the heat in the second leg. Phil Foden will be operating on the right wing, while there will be a toss-up between Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku for the other flank.
Grealish was on point in the first leg but Doku also showed great form against Luton Town. The latter has more skills to trouble Dani Carvajal and create threats.
