Why it is the perfect time for Guardiola’s men to play the European champions

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Manchester City have lurched from one crisis to another this season. Poor form, a crippling injury list and the well-documented off-field issues have dented their ability to replicate previous years of dominance.

City are fifth in the Premier League, 13 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and with virtually no chance of claiming a fifth successive title. They could only manage 22nd spot in the revamped Champions League table and suffered defeats to the likes of Sporting CP that would have been unthinkable just 12 months ago.

The air of invincibility has long since disappeared.

And so, their clash with defending European champions Real Madrid is a foregone conclusion, right?

Madrid are struggling

Wrong. Madrid are also enduring a relative crisis and will arrive in England out of form, missing virtually their entire first-choice back four and with accusations of a lack of chemistry still circling around their much-vaunted front three of Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

Saturday’s draw with Atletico Madrid meant they retained top spot in La Liga but the top three are separated by just two points and Barcelona have regained their mojo in recent weeks.

Madrid have won just one of their last three games, and that courtesy of a last-gasp Gonzalo Garcia goal at Leganes in the Copa del Rey.

At the weekend they ground out a point against Diego Simeone’s Atleti but only after coach Carlo Ancelotti had to lay down the law to his mis-firing forwards.

Widespread reports in Spain this morning claim the Italian was so unhappy at individuality taking precedence over team instructions, he gave a half-time order to Vinicius Jr, Bellingham and Mbappe to improve or be dragged off.

Mbappe promptly netted the equaliser but the incident offers further weight to the theory that all three want to occupy a similar place on the pitch, leading to an imbalance that affects other areas.

Throw in their defensive worries and City ought to be encouraged.

Yes, the home side are still lacking Ballon d’Or winner Rodri but Madrid will be forced to field a defence lacking physicality and experience.

Defensive woe

Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are both out for the season while Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are likely to miss both legs of the City tie. Alaba had only just returned from almost 13 months out before being struck down again.

If that wasn’t bad enough for Ancelotti, stand-in right-back Lucas Vazquez had to limp out of the derby with Atleti with a hamstring injury and won’t travel to Manchester.

It all adds-up to what will comprise a makeshift back four at the Etihad.

Midfielder Federico Valverde could start at right-back. And while the Uruguay international has all the attributes to fulfil the role adequately, his athleticism will be sorely missed in the centre of the field.

The central defensive pairing will also likely contain another midfielder in Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman is technically excellent and thrives when Madrid have lots of the ball. However, City should have their fair share of possession tomorrow night and Erling Haaland will be licking his lips in anticipation at the thought of a physical battle he will undoubtedly win.

Asencio to partner Tchouameni

Alongside Tchouameni will be Raul Asencio. The 21-year-old was excellent against Atleti but lacks experience of the big occasion, particularly in European competition.

And then on the left will be Ferland Mendy. The former Lyon full-back is set to get the nod over Fran Garcia and will be key to organising an inexperienced back line.

One more thing to consider is five Madrid players who could play tomorrow night – Bellingham, Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick and Luka Modric – are all one booking away from missing the second leg through suspension.

City may still be scratching around for their best form but they couldn’t wish to play Madrid at a better time.




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