Man City predicted lineup vs Real Madrid - Champions League

Man City predicted lineup vs Real Madrid - Champions League

Kevin De Bruyne will need to pull the creative strings in Madrid

City are on course to win a third consecutive Premier League title this season after reeling in Arsenal, but the elusive Champions League is still what drives the club.

This is a third straight year in which Pep Guardiola's side have reached at least the semi-finals, facing Real Madrid again after late goals cost them the tie this time last year.

Here's a look at the starting XI Guardiola could pick as City head to Spain.

Man City predicted lineup vs Real Madrid

Erling Haaland
Haaland will face Real for the first time competitively / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

GK: Ederson - There is no doubting who starts in goal for one of the biggest games of the season.

CB: Kyle Walker - Speed and strength will be invaluable assets in this hybrid role, especially as the primary defender who will be tasked with stopping Vinicius Junior.

CB: Ruben Dias - Set to return to the defence after being rested against Leeds.

CB: Manuel Akanji - Injury to Nathan Ake presents an opportunity for Akanji to start instead.

DM: John Stones - Has made this role his own over the past month or so and played it well in both quarter-final legs against Bayern Munich.

DM: Rodri - The Spaniard will be crucial to controlling the game and stopping Real playing.

RM: Bernardo Silva - Remains an invaluable part of Guardiola's strongest side even if his preference continues to be a summer transfer elsewhere.

AM: Kevin De Bruyne - The relationship he has developed with Erling Haaland this season will be vital to City's prosperity over the course of this tie.

AM: Ilkay Gunodgan - The German could be playing against Real Madrid regularly for the next couple of years if Barcelona get their way this summer.

LM: Jack Grealish - Firmly trusted by Guardiola this season and has started nine out of 10 Champions League games so far. Rested at the weekend and should be fresh.

ST: Erling Haaland - Already on 51 goals for the season. How many could he get against a Real defence without its best centre-back.

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