Verdict: Omar Marmoush over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight second-leg showdown on Wednesday night, Real Madrid and Manchester City will meet at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid
Starting with the hosts, mounting what was an iconic Champions League comeback away at the Etihad last week, Real Madrid find themselves sat firmly in the driving seat heading into Wednesday’s second-leg showdown. Eventually leaving Manchester with what was a sensational 3-2 victory, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have their sights firmly set on defending their European crown this season. However, left frustrated over the weekend as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Osasuna, Los Blancos are seeking some welcomed defensive stability. Despite extending on their Copa del Rey adventure earlier in the month as they claimed another 3-2 win away at Leganes, Real Madrid have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions.
Real Madrid Team News
While England international Jude Bellingham might have been shown a controversial straight red card away at Osasuna over the weekend, the former Borussia Dortmund ace is free to feature here. Likewise, both still dealing with respective injury issues, Los Blancos are once again sweating over the fitness of both Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba.
Finding the net in each of his last three appearances across all competitions and notching 11 goals since opening the New Year, Kylian Mbappe will lead the line on Wednesday night. Handed a La Liga rest on Saturday afternoon, Brazilian ace Rodrygo could be handed a full recall.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, suffering what was an infamous late collapse on home soil last week, Manchester City have an almighty task on their hands here. However, despite coming under even more scrutiny last week, Pep Guardiola’s men came roaring back in some style over the weekend. Putting in what was arguably a season-best display as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp against Newcastle, the Sky Blues are desperately seeking a repeat performance here. Getting February underway with a nightmare 5-1 drumming at the hands of domestic rivals Arsenal, Wednesday’s guests have shown some extended issues on their travels. Falling to what was a dramatic 4-2 loss when they travelled to French giants PSG on January 22nd, Man City have recorded just a single victory away at top-flight opposition since opening the New Year.
Manchester City Team News
In what is a huge blow for Guardiola’s side, Manchester City have confirmed that Manuel Akanji will be sidelined for the next couple of months due to a muscle issue. However, although attacking talisman Erling Haaland might have limped off against Newcastle over the weekend, the Norwegian record-breaker will lead the line here.
Bagging a sensational Premier League hat-trick against the Magpies on Saturday afternoon, January recruit Omar Marmoush will partner Haaland in the final third. Appearing to have reclaimed his spot as Guardiola’s number one choice, Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson will start between the sticks on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Real Madrid and Manchester City met for their first-leg showdown last week, Los Blancos collected a 3-2 victory at the Etihad.
- However, Real Madrid have recorded just two clean sheets from any of their last 11 appearances across all competitions.
- Man City have recorded just a single away victory against top-flight opposition since opening the New Year.
- French superstar Kylian Mbappe has recorded 11 goals across all competitions since returning from Spain’s festive break.
- All of Man City’s last 11 appearances across all competitions has finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Suffering what was a remarkable last-gasp collapse on home soil last week, Manchester City have an almighty task on their hands here. Eventually falling to a dramatic 3-2 loss at the Etihad, neutrals will be hoping for another Champions League thriller on Wednesday night. Although Los Blancos might return to the Spanish capital holding a one-goal advantage, Ancelotti’s camp have continued to show some glaring defensive issues. In a showdown that famously produces plenty of drama, we are expecting another pulsating European battle from the Bernabeu.
Verdict: Omar Marmoush over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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