Man City vs Real Madrid Preview: Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Manchester City welcome Spanish giants Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night knowing anything other than a win will see them crash out of the Champions League at the group stages for the second year running.

Roberto Mancini’s men are on the brink of elimination having only picked up two points in their opening four games and currently sit bottom of Group D. Borussia Dortmund have already secured qualification and even victory tonight may not be enough to stop Madrid joining them in the last 16, if results on matchday 6 don’t go City’s way.

Madrid came from behind to win 3-2 in the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu and a point will be enough tonight to see Jose Mourinho’s side through to the knockout stages.

Team News

Mancini may be without striker Mario Balotelli, who is struggling to overcome a back complaint. Left back Gael Clichy has been ruled out after picking up an ankle injury during Saturday’s 5-0 win over Aston Villa.

James Milner may return to the bench after recovering from a hamstring strain but Jack Rodwell, Micah Richards and Kolo Toure (ineligible) are out.

Argentinean strike duo Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero are expected to continue their partnership up front with Eden Dzeko on the bench.

With Gonzalo Higuain out with a hamstring injury, Madrid are likely to go with Karim Benzema up front supported by Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria.

Left back Marcelo is out with a broken foot meaning Fabio Coentrao will deputise, while on-loan Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien hasn’t travelled.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Premier League champions Man City have been a different side in Europe, looking vulnerable and lacking in belief. They need a miracle to progress but the dream is likely to be over tonight as we can see Madrid getting the point they need to secure qualification at City’s expense. Man City 2-2 Real Madrid.

What would your team be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section.