Erling Haaland is back in the Manchester City starting lineup for tonight’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid, with John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne also involved from the off.
Man City welcome the holders to the Etihad Stadium on this evening looking to secure a positive result in the knockout phase play-off first-leg.
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Haaland leads the attack after being rested completely for the 2-1 FA Cup fourth round win over Leyton Orient at the weekend.
The striker is yet to score in four previous meetings against Real Madrid, but has netted six times in the Champions League so far this season.
Whilst Haaland is poised to spearhead Man City’s attack at the Etihad Stadium, January signing Nico Gonzalez is fit enough only for the bench.
The midfielder was forced off just 22 minutes into his City debut against Orient but was able to take part in training on Monday.
“I hope so,” Guardiola said when asked if Nico will be available. “The kick was strong in this area. We have a few days, we will see.”
Manuel Akanji shifts to right-back for more defensive solidity as Real Madrid tend to favour attacking down their left.
Meanwhile, Ederson and Nathan Ake start and Jeremy Doku is on the bench, with the trio fit again after recent spells on the sidelines.
However, Vitor Reis is ineligible after being left out of City’s updated Champions League squad that does include fellow January signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush.
Starting XI: Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Stones, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Savinho, Grealish, Haaland
Subs: Ortega, Marmoush, Kovacic, Doku, Nico, Gundogan, Nunes, Khusanov, Foden, O'Reilly, Lewis, McAtee
Time and date: 8pm GMT on Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Venue: Etihad Stadium
TV channel and live stream: Amazon Prime Video
