Pep Guardiola admits to ‘one doubt’ over Manchester City starting XI against Real Madrid | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he is facing a key selection dilemma ahead of Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 return leg against Real Madrid.

The Blues were taken to the cleaners by Alvaro Arbeloa’s side in Madrid last week as Federico Valverde‘s sensational hat-trick within 22 minutes of the first-half left Manchester City with a mountain to climb in the second leg.

City have won once in their last four competitions and are fighting for their lives in Europe as they bid for a miraculous comeback against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

Guardiola drew strong criticism for overthinking his selection at the Santiago Bernabeu, uncharacteristically fielding a midfield duo of Bernardo Silva and Rodri whilst moving Nico O’Reilly from his recent midfield position to left-back.

How will Pep Guardiola select his starting XI against Real Madrid on Tuesday night?

Guardiola said in a press conference on Monday that he does not have a surprise in store for Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, admitting so much that he has made his mind up over his starting XI on Tuesday night.

“The selection I have is already done, more or less,” the 55-year-old said. “I know the team that’s going to start tomorrow. I don’t have any doubts, one doubt maybe, but the rest is clear.”

The Manchester City manager made three changes to his starting XI against West Ham at the weekend as the Blues lost further ground in the title race after being held to a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium, allowing Premier League leaders Arsenal to extend their lead at the top to nine points.

Matheus Nunes, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri came in for the Blues in east London as Ruben Dias, Savinho and Jeremy Doku made their way to the bench.

Guardiola on Real Madrid remontada: We’re going to give it a go

There is no telling whether City can do the improbable and progress to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against all odds given the first leg result.

However, Guardiola is banking upon the attending City fans to create a conducive atmosphere and drive the players on at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

“We have to make a good game with our people – hopefully they can make an extra bonus,” the Manchester City boss added. “Our expected goals is the highest in the Premier League alongside Chelsea. So always, we have been there.”

Asked whether Manchester City can pull off an ‘epic remontada’ against Real Madrid, the Catalan said: “I know that we’re going to give it go. Whether we can achieve it, I have no idea.”