Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to continue their charge for the treble as they welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, with the tie finely poised at 1-1.
A longe range strike from Kevin de Bruyne cancelled out Vinicius Jr’s excellent effort at the Bernabeu, to leave the two sides largely as they began the tie, but with City holding the home advantage.
Both sides won over the weekend to continue their strong form, though Real Madrid watched Barcelona lift La Liga while Manchester City took a stronger grip on the Premier League.
And while all signs point to City taking the next step to the final, with Guardiola’s juggernaut not having lost January, but with Real Madrid it is never quite that simple.
Here’s how we expect City to line up, and the latest team news from the Etihad.
Predicted XI
Team News
Manchester City come into the game with only one injury concern, as Nathan Ake missed the first leg through injury.
Quizzed on his situation against Everton, Guardiola revealed that the Dutchman was ‘much better but I don’t know [if he will play]. We have training in a few hours and we will see.’
However, the defender didn’t feature in the matchday squad during their comfortable 3-0 win over the Toffees on Sunday, which leaves him a major doubt for the clash with Los Blancos on Wednesday.
Beyond that, it will be largely down to Guardiola’s tactics and Riyad Mahrez, who has often been preferred in Champions League games, could come into contention, though Bernardo Silva impressed in the first leg.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker is almost certain to keep his pace on the right side of a back three in an attempt to keep Vinicius Jr quiet, with the Brazilian one of several dangermen that Real Madrid possess.
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