Tonight will see Manchester City and Real Madrid battle it out for a place in the semi-final stage of this season’s UEFA Champions League. The tie is delicately poised at 3-all on aggregate following last week’s enthralling encounter at the Bernabeu. Both teams will be eager to progress at the Etihad Stadium tonight, so another big night awaits at the home of the European champions.
Manchester City team news
There was positive news on the injury front yesterday for the European champions with the entire first team squad training yesterday. It was evident during Manchester City’s open training session yesterday that Pep Guardiola would have a full squad to pick from.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference, Pep Guardiola said a decision on whether Kyle Walker starts tonight was going to be made after training yesterday. Guardiola told the media: “Kyle trains good. He feels something, but he feels good in his face and his mood. I don’t know from the beginning or the bench, but I think he will be with us tomorrow. Today we have the last session and we will decide. Of course (Kyle) Walker is important. The attributes and quality of Kyle everyone knows it, he is special.”
There was also positive news on Nathan Ake and John Stones. The pair were pictured training yesterday in images shared on Manchester City’s official X account. Pep Guardiola having his full squad at his disposal could be crucial for tonight’s clash with Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Predicted Manchester City starting eleven
Ederson: City’s number one keeper returned to the starting lineup for his team’s 5-1 win over Luton Town. It would appear he will take his spot in goal tonight.
Kyle Walker: Manchester City’s captain has been the main talking point whether he will start tonight or not. Based on the information provided by Pep Guardiola I’m leaning towards the City skipper taking his spot at right-back tonight.
Ruben Dias: The inspirational defender was outstanding against Real Madrid a week ago. Dias should start again tonight.
John Stones: The England international was rested against Luton Town last Saturday. Given that he has returned to training, he appears set to start tonight.
Josko Gvardiol: His recent form has made him an automatic selection. The Croatian international will have a pivotal role to play at the Etihad.
Rodri: City’s midfield general finally got a much needed rest against Luton Town. Rodri is an automatic selection tonight.
Bernardo Silva: Another player who was rested against Luton Town. He tormented Real Madrid in the corresponding fixture last season and is usually at his best against the La Liga giants.
Kevin De Bruyne: De Bruyne was back to best against Luton Town. Provided he doesn’t go down with food poisoning like last week, he should start tonight.
Phil Foden: He will have a massive role to play tonight. This season has seen Foden’s game go to another level, and tonight’s match is the ideal setting for Foden to make his mark.
Jack Grealish: The world champions are a better team with Grealish in the lineup, and he should take his spot on the left wing tonight. He threatened to break open Carlo Ancelotti’s side last week. Could he be the match winner tonight?
Erling Haaland: City’s number 9 will no doubt be heavily marked again by Antonio Rudiger. If he can create space for his teammates and finally break the shackles against Real MMadrid, hecould decide the ttie, which iis delicately poised.
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