Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday night at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side have not been at their usual best this season, but they are heading into this game on the back of a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient in the FA Cup.
City lost 5-1 against Arsenal in their last Premier League game, and they need to raise their levels against their old nemesis.
The good thing is Guardiola rested his key players in the win over Leyton Orient, and they will be fresh heading into this tie against Los Blancos.
Ahead of the fixture, City have received a big boost after Nico Gonzalez returned to training this week. Gonzalez, who joined on the January deadline day for City, picked up an injury in the first half of the previous game, but he is now ready for action.
In goal, Ederson should come into the side in place of Stefan Ortega Moreno.
Ruben Dias is one of the three players from the previous game who is set to keep his place in the side. He will partner John Stones at the heart of defence.
Josko Gvardiol was rested in the previous game, and he will be raring to go at right-back. Manuel Akanji is also expected to start, which means City will have a defensive shape for this game against Real Madrid.
In midfield, Guardiola will rely on the experienced trio of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva.
Kevin De Bruyne and Gonzalez could make an impact from the bench. Guardiola will rely heavily on Phil Foden to deliver.
The 24-year-old has had a disappointing season so far and was very poor against the Gunners. This is another big opportunity for him to make a statement.
Omar Marmous should retain his place in the side, while Erling Haaland is set to start in the number nine role.
Predicted Manchester City XI: Ederson, Akanji, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland, Marmoush.
