Manchester City and Real Madrid will reconvene for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at the Etihad on Tuesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side are on the brink of elimination from Europe’s premier club competition after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat at the Bernabeu last midweek.
The Citizens could then only manage a 1-1 draw away at West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday night – a damaging setback that has left them nine points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
However, Guardiola’s side have little time to dwell on their latest disappointment, with attention quickly turning to Tuesday night and the daunting task of attempting to pull off a dramatic comeback against Real Madrid.
As for the Spanish heavyweights, they head into this week’s return leg buoyed by an emphatic 4-1 win over Elche in La Liga on Saturday.
The victory ensured Alvaro Arbeloa’s side remained four points behind rivals Barcelona in the Spanish top-flight standings.
How the bookies view it: Man City massive favourites
Despite suffering a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid last midweek, Man City head into this week’s second leg as short-priced 8/15 favourites on bet365.
Real Madrid are as big as 15/4 with bet365 to complete a quick-fire double over the Citizens, while a draw at the Etihad pays 9/2 with the same bookmaker.
Head to head: Heavyweight duo evenly-matched
Following last week’s first-leg victory, Real Madrid and Manchester City sit on an even head-to-head record, each with six wins and five draws between them.
It’s also worth remembering that Real Madrid ousted Man City from the Champions League last season in the playoff round, claiming a memorable 3-2 victory at this venue.
Players to watch: More value with Vinicius?
I suggested backing Vinicius Junior in the To Score or Assist market in last week’s first leg, and the Brazilian didn’t disappoint, setting up one of Federico Valverde’s three goals. The same selection at the Etihad on Tuesday night offers value at 6/4 on bet365.
Manchester City will be hoping Erling Haaland can inspire a dramatic turnaround in this tie, though on current form the Norwegian’s 1/2 to score and 9/4 first goalscorer odds hold little appeal for punters. However, backing Haaland to be fouled at least once at 8/11 on bet365 does catch the eye.
Predicted line-ups
With Rico Lewis nearing a return from injury and Mateo Kovacic back in the Manchester City squad at the weekend, City are close to full fitness, with Josko Gvardiol the only long-term absentee.
Manchester City's already tough task of overturning this tie could be made even harder by the news that Kylian Mbappe may feature in this week’s second leg after a spell on the sidelines with a knee issue. However, Real Madrid are still hampered by a lengthy injury list that includes Alvaro Carreras, Dani Ceballos, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.
Man City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Rodri, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Haaland, Cherki
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Rudiger, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Diaz, Guler, Vinicius Jr
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the lead that Real Madrid hold heading into this week’s second leg at the Etihad, Thibaut Courtois could be worth a punt to pick up a card at 5/1 on bet365.
With Manchester City likely needing to push forward and play at a high tempo, the experienced Belgian goalkeeper may look to run down the clock whenever possible.
Courtois collected a yellow in a recent away game at Osasuna in La Liga, and another booking wouldn’t be a surprise here given the urgency City will bring to this clash.
GambleAware