Riyad Mahrez to start ahead of Bernardo Silva – Predicted XI: Manchester City vs Real Madrid (Champions League semi-final second-leg)

A place in the UEFA Champions League Final awaits for Manchester City or Real Madrid, when the two teams meet in the second-leg of their semi-final clash on Wednesday night.

It’s the big one, as Manchester City welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. Becoming a European fortress in recent times, a massive obstacle stands in the way of Madrid repeating history from last season.

Following their 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital last Tuesday, the tie is perfectly poised in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.

Both sides endured success at the weekend, as the Blues travelled to Merseyside to face a robust Everton side managed by Sean Dyche, while Real welcomed a Getafe side threatened by the prospect of relegation.

City ruthlessly swept Everton aside, emerging as 3-0 victors in a comfortable afternoon for the Premier League champions, while last season’s La Liga champions defeated Getafe 1-0, with a much-rested side in anticipation for the midweek battle.

City have the chance to retain their league title on Sunday with a victory over Chelsea, but will be primarily focused on the task at hand, aware of the threat posed by Real Madrid.

The reverse leg was a fascinating tactical battle, as both sides grabbed a goal against the run of play leaving the tie perfectly balanced.

However, the advantage goes to City, who will have the full support of the home crowd on Wednesday evening.

Attempting to reach their second Champions League final, the Blues will have to fend off the masters of the competition.

The experience in these matches partnered with the prowess of the squad at the hands of Carlo Ancelotti provides a difficult task for Pep Guardiola, but certainly one he won’t shy away from.

However, the Blues are also blessed with a mixture of experience and youth, in a squad that has the promise and possibility of making history this season.

With that being said, here is the side we predict will be tasked with taking Manchester City to the Champions League final this season!

Predicted XI:

Playing a pivotal part in Madrid, Ederson will surely retain his place in goal for the home side.

Kyle Walker seemingly enjoyed the battle with Vinicius Jr last week, with the pair embracing following the full-time whistle. We expect Walker to keep his place in the side and have another crunching battle with the winger.

Ruben Dias and John Stones have formed an excellent partnership in recent seasons, we expect the pair to start at the back, with Manuel Akanji completing the back four for City, given the continued absence of Nathan Ake.

Rodri won’t be given a rest and will start in midfield for the Blues.

Kevin De Bruyne was granted a rest at the weekend with Ilkay Gundogan more than stepping up in his absence, we expect the duo to start against Madrid and complete the midfield.

Guardiola has said in his pre-match press conference, “I have an idea to do something differently, just to be more fluid in attack,” and as a result, we predict Riyad Mahrez to be the answer to this, replacing Bernardo Silva from the first-leg.

It was a quiet night for Erling Haaland at the Santiago Bernabeu, but we expect the Norwegian powerhouse to start and enjoy the battle that lies ahead.

We lost count how many times Dani Carvajal fouled him without being punished, but we expect Jack Grealish to start and face up to that individual battle once more, with the Englishman having a massive role to play if City are to be successful on Wednesday.

The #UCL ⚽️ are back out. 👀😍 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/mbw2QGJk30

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) May 15, 2023

Predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Akanji; Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish.

Substitutes: Ortega, Carson, Lewis, Laporte, Gomez, Phillips, Bernardo, Palmer, Foden, Alvarez.