Real Madrid News
Official: Manchester City lineup against Real Madrid
Manchester City will be looking for revenge tonight as they travel to the Spanish capital to take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals first leg.
Pep Guardiola’s side lost to the reigning champions dramatically in the competition last year, and will be hoping for a different outcome this time.
With Nathan Ake injured, Guardiola has gone for Manuel Akanji as the left-sided centre-back, while Kyle Walker takes over the responsibility on the right side. Ruben Dias is placed between the two, screening Ederson in goal.
This lineup features John Stones in a hybrid role, starting in the double pivot alongside Rodri. Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan start in advanced roles, with the former playing off the striker.
Speaking of which, Erling Haaland will look to continue his incredible form in front of goal as the centre-forward, while Bernardo Silva starts as the right-winger. Jack Grealish rounds off the attack on the left-wing.
Tonight's line-up! 🌟
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 9, 2023
XI | Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji, Rodrigo, Gundogan (C), De Bruyne, Bernardo, Grealish, Haaland
SUBS | Ortega Moreno, Carson, Phillips, Laporte, Alvarez, Gomez, Mahrez, Foden, Palmer, Lewis#ManCity pic.twitter.com/nIkzsU6Q5q
Confirmed Madrid XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Bernardo, de Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland
Even though Fran Garcia will be arriving to bolster the left-back slot, MARCA (h/t Madrid Xtra) is reporting that Real Madrid’s interest in Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies is ‘serious’.
The left-back position emerged as a major issue for Real Madrid during the 2022/23 season as Ferland Mendy spent a large chunk of the campaign out injured. With David Alaba reluctant to reprise the role, manager Carlo Ancelotti had to turn to Nacho and Eduardo Camavinga as options.
Heading into the new season, Real Madrid wish to address this issue. The plan is to offload Ferland Mendy or even possibly use him as a makeweight in the Harry Kane operation.
And, Davies is being targeted to replace the Frenchman. The Canadian international, whose current market value is €70 million, has developed into one of the most reliable left-backs in Europe during his time at Bayern Munich.
Despite having had to deal with injuries, Davies finished the 2022/23 season with a return of three goals and eight assists from 38 matches across all competitions.
The possibility of the 22-year-old pairing up with Vinicius Jr on Real Madrid’s left flank does seem very appealing. And, that is why, Los Blancos are understood to be willing to pay what it takes to sign the Bayern Munich star.
However, the Bavarians have no interest in selling Davies at this moment. He still has two years left on his contract with the German champions which does give them an upper hand.
But if Davies decides not to hold talks over a renewal and pushes for an exit, it could open the door for a possible move from Real Madrid. Even then, Bayern Munich could hold for a steep asking price, but the Merengues could be willing to go the extra mile in their efforts to sign Davies.
