How Man City could line up in Champions League clash vs Real Madrid (4-1-4-1) | OneFootball

Manchester City are set to renew continental rivalries with Real Madrid as both sides lock horns in a blockbuster Champions League showdown at Santiago Bernabeu later tonight.

A heavily rotated City side were picked apart 2-0 by Bayer Leverkusen, with Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick punishing Pep Guardiola’s sweeping changes.

Guardiola admitted afterwards that making 10 alterations may have pushed the limits, a gamble that now leaves his team outside the automatic qualification spots.

City sit 12th with 10 points from a possible 15, level with Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea but behind both sides on goal difference.

With several teams breathing down their necks, tonight’s results could tighten the squeeze even further.

After falling prey to Leverkusen, City returned to domestic duties with a vengeance, swatting aside Leeds United, Fulham, and Sunderland, although the latter was far more convincing than the former duo.

Nevertheless, the 2023 treble winners seem to have recaptured their rhythm after stitching together three Premier League wins on the bounce.

They must now carry that form into the Champions League as they prepare to face a familiar foe in Madrid.

City know all too well the danger posed by the Spanish giants, who knocked them out 6-3 on aggregate last season.

The fact that they’ve won just one of their last seven trips to Bernabeu would also cause more headaches for Guardiola.

How Man City could line up

Guardiola has already berated himself for making a host of changes that ended with a 2-0 defeat against German opposition on English soil.

That said, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Spanish tactician decides to stick with the team that thrashed Sunderland 3-0 over the weekend.

However, there could be at least one change to the XI, but it shouldn’t affect Gianluigi Donnarumma’s position between the sticks.

A trusted backline of Nico O’Reilly, Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and Matheus Nunes should also remain unchanged, especially after keeping a clean sheet over the weekend.

Nico Gonzalez should continue in Rodri’s place while Tijjani Reijnders comes in for Bernardo Silva.

The 27-year-old should line up alongside Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki, who is poised to make his first Champions League start.

Erling Braut Haaland is expected to lead the line.