How Manchester City could lineup against Real Madrid in second leg of UCL quarter-finals?

Published at :April 16, 2024 at 11:35 PM

Modified at :April 16, 2024 at 11:35 PM

(Courtesy : Manchester City)

It will be interesting to see how Pep Guardiola uses the wealth of talent at his disposal.

The second leg of the quarter-final clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League is set to be one of the most intense games of the season. Judging by the first leg that saw incredible goals being scored by both teams and ended 3-3, the world of football is in for a high-quality game at the Etihad Stadium on 18 April 2024.

Pep Guardiola will likely pick a similar playing XI for the second leg considering the form that his players are in. Having said that, he is known to make surprise personnel changes when the world least expects him to. Eyes will be on the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and other key players in the Manchester City lineup who can be unplayable on their day and were rested during the weekend for the Premier League fixture.

As matchday, here is a prediction on how the English champions can line against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final’s second leg:

Manchester City Predicted lineup (Formation: 4-1-4-1)

GK – Ederson

Ederson is set to take his position between the sticks for Manchester City in the second leg. The custodian did not play in the first leg but featured for the side in the Premier League against Luton Town after recovering from an injury.

RB – Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker is one of the most consistent performers in the right-back position in the world. He is surely one of the first names on the team sheet for the second leg.

CB – Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias is a key figure in the defensive line for Pep Guardiola. He is one of the mainstays in the lineup and is set to lead the backline against Real Madrid on Thursday.

CB – Manuel Akanji

Manuel Akanji is set to partner Ruben Dias for the second leg as doubts remain on John Stones’ fitness. Make no mistake, Akanji is a huge talent and can silence the best attackers on his day.

LB – Josko Gvardiol

Josko Gvardiol is in a rich vein of form and would like to replicate his performance from the first leg where he scored a mindblowing goal from long range. He also scored in Man City’s 4-1 win over Luton Town in the Premier League over the weekend.

CDM – Rodri

Rodri is the driving force in Manchester City’s midfield whose mere presence fills the team with unwavering confidence. The Spaniard is set to take his position in the holding midfield role and orchestrate attacking moves from the back.

CM – Phil Foden

Phil Foden is in the form of his life and scored a wonderful goal in the first leg against Real Madrid. The English attacker will be a high-priority target for the La Liga outfit’s defenders as they look to limit the Cityzens.

Also Read: How Real Madrid could lineup against Manchester City in second leg of UCL quarter-finals?

CM – Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the starting lineup could make a huge difference in how the tie swings during the second leg. The Belgian midfield maestro turns the tides in his side’s favour single-handedly. It will be interesting to see if he regains match fitness by the time of the kickoff.

RM – Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva is one of the most ingenious midfielders in the world and is likely to start after receiving a rest over the weekend in the Premier League. His goal in the second minute of the first leg gave Manchester City a brilliant start in the tie.

LM – Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish showed his quality in the first leg and gave Real Madrid’s defenders plenty of headaches cutting in from the left flank. Playing in front of home supporters, Guardiola will likely rely on the £100 million attacker to deliver the goods.

ST – Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland is undroppable and is surely going to start for Manchester City against the Los Blancos in the second leg. He could not score in the first leg and would like to set things right by adding to his six goals in the ongoing Champions League campaign.

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