90min

Man City predicted lineup vs Real Madrid - Champions League

By Jamie Spencer

Kevin De Bruyne will need to pull the creative strings in Madrid
Kevin De Bruyne will need to pull the creative strings in Madrid / Alex Livesey - Danehouse/GettyImages
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Manchester City are on course to win a third consecutive Premier League title this season after reeling in Arsenal, but the elusive Champions League is still what drives the club.

This is a third straight year in which Pep Guardiola's side have reached at least the semi-finals, facing Real Madrid again after late goals cost them the tie this time last year.

Here's a look at the starting XI Guardiola could pick as City head to Spain.

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Man City predicted lineup vs Real Madrid

Erling Haaland
Haaland will face Real for the first time competitively / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

GK: Ederson - There is no doubting who starts in goal for one of the biggest games of the season.

CB: Kyle Walker - Speed and strength will be invaluable assets in this hybrid role, especially as the primary defender who will be tasked with stopping Vinicius Junior.

CB: Ruben Dias - Set to return to the defence after being rested against Leeds.

CB: Manuel Akanji - Injury to Nathan Ake presents an opportunity for Akanji to start instead.

DM: John Stones - Has made this role his own over the past month or so and played it well in both quarter-final legs against Bayern Munich.

DM: Rodri - The Spaniard will be crucial to controlling the game and stopping Real playing.

RM: Bernardo Silva - Remains an invaluable part of Guardiola's strongest side even if his preference continues to be a summer transfer elsewhere.

AM: Kevin De Bruyne - The relationship he has developed with Erling Haaland this season will be vital to City's prosperity over the course of this tie.

AM: Ilkay Gunodgan - The German could be playing against Real Madrid regularly for the next couple of years if Barcelona get their way this summer.

LM: Jack Grealish - Firmly trusted by Guardiola this season and has started nine out of 10 Champions League games so far. Rested at the weekend and should be fresh.

ST: Erling Haaland - Already on 51 goals for the season. How many could he get against a Real defence without its best centre-back?

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