Manchester City possible lineup against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter final second leg

Here’s how the team led by Pep Guardiola are expected to start the game against Real Madrid.

Experience is set to be key for City against Madrid (KO 3pm ET noon PT), and Walker’s return to the squad will offer greater security to Manchester City’s back line.

“We know he can play against the best wingers in the world,” Bernardo explained on Tuesday’s press conference. “He has played against Vinicius, Mbappé and Neymar and he knows how to defend like nobody else. He always does a phenomenal job.”

After picking up an injury during the last England squad, the full-back returned to the squad against Luton Town on Saturday, although he remained on the bench for the entire game.

Walker ‘has been training and feels good’

Walker is ready, but perhaps he’s not up to playing the full 90 minutes. “He has been training and feels good,” Guardiola announced in his recent press appearance. “I’m not sure if he will be able to start or be on the bench, but it’s good to have him with us.”

Stones is in a similar situation. Sidelined for three weeks, he missed the last league match day, he could reappear on Wednesday.

As could Aké, Dias, Akanji and Lewis, who have been able to make up for these absences, meaning they are still an option for Guardiola. Rodrigo, Bernardo, Grealish and Foden were rested for the drubbing against Luton, while Kovacic, Doku and Julian Álvarez were given the chance to convince their manager that they could face Real Madrid.

It remains to be seen what Pep’s decision will be. The players who are guaranteed to be in the starting eleven will be Ederson, now recovered from injury, Haaland and De Bruyne.

The Norwegian scored on Saturday and will try to put behind him the disappointing performance in the first leg. De Bruyne, who did not play at the Bernabéu due to food poisoning, arrives in good form and is a player who usually makes his mark in big games.

Follow the action as it unfolds on AS USA with Roddy, who has the privilege of taking you through the action from England’s northwest. The second leg will be played at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, UK, on Wednesday 17 April 2024. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET/ 12 noon PT.