Cherki Set to Steal the Spotlight as Man City Clash with Real Madrid in Epic Showdown
Manchester City are looking to capitalize on the turmoil at the Santiago Bernabéu as they prepare to meet Real Madrid in Wednesday evening's Champions League encounter.
The Citizens have secured victories in their last three fixtures across all competitions, though they suffered a setback in their most recent European appearance. A heavily rotated squad fell 2-0 at home to Bayer Leverkusen, marking their first Champions League loss of the season.
Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola's squad will enter the Madrid trip with high spirits, particularly given their hosts' current difficulties. Carlo Ancelotti faces increasing scrutiny following the weekend loss to Celta Vigo, and City have the opportunity to intensify his troubles.
Here's how City might set up for this marquee encounter.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-1-4-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—Donnarumma played a crucial role in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League campaign last season, and City will anticipate comparable performances during their trophy pursuit. Wednesday's fixture represents exactly the type of prestigious match he was acquired for.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Significant doubts persist regarding Nunes's capabilities at right-back, and he faces his sternest examination against Vinicius Junior at the Bernabéu. The Brazilian hasn't found the net in 11 Madrid appearances but remains a constant attacking danger.
CB: Rúben Dias—Dias struck a spectacular effort on Saturday to complement his strike against Newcastle United. Nevertheless, his primary focus will be on defensive duties against Los Blancos.
CB: Joško Gvardiol—Gvardiol also found the scoresheet versus Sunderland but will concentrate entirely on neutralizing Kylian Mbappé on Wednesday—should the Frenchman be fit following his recent injury concern.
LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri—Guardiola recently suggested giving Nico O'Reilly a break yet still fielded the left-back against Sunderland. Consequently, Rayan Aït-Nouri might enter the lineup to reduce pressure on the young English player.
DM: Nico González—City remain without Rodri and Mateo Kovačić for the Madrid journey—the former having been previously connected with a Bernabéu move—meaning González will shield the defense from Jude Bellingham.
RM: Bernardo Silva—Silva has found the net four times over the last four seasons in this matchup, consistently relishing encounters with the Spanish powerhouse. He now operates in a more disciplined capacity, though.
CM: Rayan Cherki—Cherki delivered a magnificent performance against Sunderland, shining with a sublime rabona cross for Phil Foden. Tijjani Reijnders might return to the starting eleven, but surely Cherki has merited another opportunity.
CM: Phil Foden—Foden is displaying irresistible form currently after netting five times in his last three outings. He also has a connection with Madrid, having scored a stunning goal at the Bernabéu in 2023-24, though he failed to register in this same fixture last season.
LM: Jérémy Doku—Madrid will be missing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal due to injuries on Wednesday, potentially pushing Federico Valverde into the right-back position. The Uruguayan's pace will prove valuable when facing the tireless Doku.
ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland has managed only one goal in his previous five appearances—a concerning run for a player of his standard. Yet he frequently delivers his finest performances on the biggest stages, with few fixtures more significant than facing the record European titleholders.
