Manchester City are all set to travel to Spain to face Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final this week. With the Premier League hanging out of their hands, the Citizens would want to mark a domination in the prestigious tournament.
Pep Guardiola’s men beat the same opponents in the semi-final round last season to lift the cup. It will surely give them some confidence ahead of the tie. Whatever happens, it will be an eye-catching game between the two in-form sides.
4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Real Madrid
Defence
Manchester City will have their first-choice goalkeeper back for the crucial tie. Ederson is expected to operate between the sticks, replacing Stefan Ortega. No change at the right-back position as Rico Lewis continues for injured Kyle Walker.
John Stones and Ruben Dias are the two names who should be shield the City’s goal. Josko Gvardiol also suffered a knock during Crystal Palace and might miss the tie. Manuel Akanji is expected to walk into the side to care of the left-back position.
Midfield
While Rodri remains an undisputed pick as the holding midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are expected to start in the midfield. They will have to work hard to overpower the effective midfielders of the opponents.
Attack
No prize for guessing that in-form Phil Foden is to return to the XI after a good rest. On the other flank, Pep Guardiola might prefer playing Jeremy Doku as he can make a difference in the final third. Jack Grealish or Julian Alvarez can be pushed into the second half if needed.
Erling Haaland will obviously lead the attacking line. A lot has been said about his performance recently. Hence, he would like to bring bury all the noises with a remarkable display against Real Madrid.
The availability of Nathan Ake (calf) is subject to fitness.
