Manchester City will clash heads with Real Madrid at the Etihad on Tuesday evening, hoping to pick up a positive result in the first leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The Citizens will be heading into the contest on the back of an emphatic 5-1 win against Watford, whereas the Los Blancos recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory over Osasuna.
Team News
David Alaba (who was taken off against Osasuna with a thigh injury) and Casemiro remain doubtful for the trip to Manchester; however, Ferland Mendy was able to take part in the team training sessions.
Carlo Ancelotti will probably opt for his usual 4-3-3 formation; however, the Italian tactician is expected to make a couple of changes from the last game as Toni Kroos will likely make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Vs Manchester City
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will continue to operate in between the sticks for the visitors. The Belgian international has kept just one clean sheet in his last five appearances across all competitions, so he would look to add to his tally on Tuesday.
Nacho Fernandez will form his customary centre-half partnership with Eder Militao at the heart of Real Madrid’s backline.
Marcelo should start at the left-back spot, whereas Dani Carvajal will fill in on the other flank as the right-back. The full-backs will be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
Midfield
Eduardo Camavinga will feature alongside Luka Modric in the holding midfield position, with the former being assigned with more of a defensive role to shield his side’s back four, whereas Toni Kroos will start in the central midfield position to complete the midfield trio.
Dani Ceballos might have to settle for a place on the bench; however, he could be brought on in the second half of the game if needed.
Attack
Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde will take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively.
Karim Benzema will lead the line for his side against Manchester City on Tuesday. The 34-year-old old striker is in blistering goal-scoring form at the moment, and he’ll be hoping to add to the tally when he faces off against the defence that has conceded five goals in their last five matches across all competitions.
