Could Pep Guardiola try a different option at right-back against Real Madrid? | OneFootball

Manchester City take on Real Madrid tomorrow night at the Etihad Stadium. The first leg of the Champions League knockout phase play-off tie promises to be an enthralling encounter. There are match-winners for both teams all over the pitch. One potential match-winner for Real Madrid is Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian winger is one of the best players in world football, and he could dictate the destiny of the tie if he fires. Who Pep Guardiola plays at right-back tomorrow night could well dictate how tomorrow night’s match unfolds.

For now, it appears that Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis are the favourites to play at right-back against Real Madrid. They have been Guardiola’s preferred options in the position of late. Both players are capable of playing in the role. But playing against Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid is a different challenge entirely. Is it one that Pep Guardiola will trust Matheus Nunes with? That seems to be the question. Nunes has his deficiencies in the role, especially defensively. Rico Lewis is capable, but if he drifts into midfield as he is usually tasked with, it could leave a massive gap for Real Madrid to exploit. With that in mind, there does appear to be two other options for the right-back position for Pep Guardiola to consider.

One is Manuel Akanji. We have seen the Swiss international play at right-back before. He did so during the back end of City’s treble-winning campaign in the 22/23 season. But is he fit enough to play in such a demanding role at the Etihad? That appears to be the question. The other alternative could be Abdukodir Khusanov. Although he is a centre-back by trade, there were signs against Leyton Orient that he could slot in at right-back in time. He has the pace to play against Real Madrid’s attacking talent and he is strong in a challenge. But the question would be will Pep Guardiola take the risk of playing Khusanov in a new position against Carlo Ancelotti’s side?

Who Pep Guardiola plays at right-back is something to watch for when the starting lineups are announced for tomorrow night’s match. Whoever is named in the position will have a massive role to play. Playing against Vinicius Junior is no easy task. We have seen Kyle Walker previously contain the Brazilian international. But he is no longer at Manchester City so the challenge will fall to someone else at the Etihad.