Match Preview: Manchester City vs Real Madrid, potential lineups, updates as both team’s prepares for a monumental showdown at the Etihad.
With the aggregate score delicately poised at 3-3 after a scintillating first leg in Spain, both teams are primed to leave it all on the field in pursuit of a spot in the semi-finals.
Kick-off Date and Time
The match is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the match will be held at the Etihad Stadium.
Team News
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City enter the contest without any major fitness concerns, with the likes of Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake vying for a starting berth.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be without the services of Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba, while Aurelien Tchouameni serves a suspension.
Head to Head Record
In terms of head-to-head history, Manchester City holds a slight advantage, having never been defeated by Real Madrid on home soil.
With four wins to their name compared to Real Madrid’s three, and four draws between them.
Potential Starting XI;
Ederson
Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol.
Rodri, Bernardo, De Bruyne.
Grealish, Haaland and Foden.
Madrid’s XI
Lunin
Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy
Kroos, Camavinga and Bellingham
Valverde, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr,
Alexander Isak is better than Erling Haaland- Newcastle legend Alan Shearer gives his verdict
Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland are fighting for the 2023-24 Premier League Golden Boot
Alan Shearer believes Alexander Isak is “as good as” any striker in the Premier League.
Erling Haaland has led the way in English football since joining Manchester City almost two years ago. His 52 goals across all competitions last season helped Pep Guardiola’s men clinch a historic treble – a feat they are looking to replicate this time around.
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Haaland has been credited with re-energising the No.9 role following a slump in out-and-out goal machines. However, another Scandinavian prodigy continues to turn heads on Tyneside.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Newcastle legend Shearer claimed that, when fit, Isak is on par with the Man City talisman. He said: “If you get him on the pitch, and have him fit, he’s as good as anyone in the Premier League. There’s no doubt about that. He’s so quick, he’s a really good finisher. He’s a clever, clever footballer.”
Shearer also hailed Eddie Howe for turning the Magpies’ season around despite a crippling injury crisis. Beating Tottenham moved Newcastle up to sixth – with Europa League qualification firmly in their sights.
He’s (Howe) done a brilliant job,” Shearer added. “f you look at the injuries Newcastle had before the game, it’s arguable that you could have put a better XI out than the one they did against Tottenham.
“That tells you how good a job he’s doing. The last couple of results have been superb (and) they have a decent run-in. If they can get into the Europa League, it would still be an incredible season.”
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Newcastle legend Shearer claimed that, when fit, Isak is on par with the Man City talisman. He said: “If you get him on the pitch, and have him fit, he’s as good as anyone in the Premier League. There’s no doubt about that. He’s so quick, he’s a really good finisher. He’s a clever, clever footballer.” City report: Pep Guardiola identifies replacement for outgoing Kevin De Bruyne
By Mark White published 15 April 2024.
Manchester City talisman Kevin De Bruyne looks set to leave the club after nine years, with Pep Guardiola keen on an all-action replacement for the Belgian
Manchester City have found the player they wish to replace Kevin De Bruyne, after almost a decade of the Belgian at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne has been a huge hit at Eastlands, lifting the title five times, the FA Cup twice, the Champions League last season and twice receiving the accolade of being PFA Players’ Player of the Year. But following rumours in February that the midfielder could be bound for the Saudi Pro League, De Bruyne has missed several high-profile moments in a City shirt.
The No.17 was omitted from manager Pep Guardiola’s lineup through illness against Real Madrid last week and appeared to argue with the Catalan following his withdrawal against Liverpool last month.
Kevin De Bruyne has fallen out with Pep Guardiola very publicly this season (Image credit: Getty Images)
Now, German outlet BILD have claimed that Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes is wanted by Guardiola to replace De Bruyne.
Spanish publication AS has previously claimed that Manchester City will trigger the Brazilian’s £99 million release clause, though last week, Bruno’s agent made a now-deleted post on X (Twitter) to confirm his client’s happiness in the northeast.
BILD notes the dissimilarity between the style of play of Bruno and De Bruyne – and in FourFourTwo’s opinion, the Toon star would not be a direct replacement, instead being tasked with forming a double-pivot in the midfield with Rodri, behind a more creative talent like Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva.
West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has also been rumoured to be wanted by City.
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