Prediction: Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

With all eyes from across Europe falling on the Etihad, Manchester City will host Real Madrid on Tuesday night for their Champions League semi-final first-leg.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, managing to pick up some perfect momentum over the weekend while on domestic duties, there is no doubt that Manchester City will be desperate to keep up that form here. Eventually cruising their way to a 5-1 romp against relegation scrappers Watford, Pep Guardiola’s side still find themselves sat in pole position to reclaim their Premier League crown this season. Holding a one-point buffer over Liverpool and desperate to complete a famous double-winning campaign at the Etihad, the one-time Bayern Munich boss will be calling on his side to lay down another marker in midweek. Coming past Atletico Madrid earlier in the month after what was a gritty 1-0 aggregate victory, fans around the Etihad should also be boosted by their recent displays in the final third. Despite watching Liverpool knock them out of the FA Cup on April 16th following an action-packed 3-2 loss at Wembley, it should be noted that Manchester City have bagged themselves at 12 strikes in just their last four contests across all formats.

Team News

After bagging four strikes against Watford over the weekend, Arsenal target Gabriel Jesus should lead Man City’s charge on Tuesday night.

However, dealing with a defensive crisis, Guardiola’s side could be without the likes of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Joao Cancelo here.

Real Madrid

As for the visitors, eventually coming past now-former European champions Chelsea earlier in the month after a remarkable 5-4 aggregate win, the mood in Real Madrid’s camp should be at a real high. Gaining a host of plaudits since bringing back Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti last summer, Los Blancos have cruised their way towards another La Liga crown this season. Picking up their own perfect momentum a few days ago as they stormed their way to a 3-1 victory against Osasuna on the road, fans around the Spanish capital could be smelling the chance to spring another upset here. Likewise, aside from their second-leg defeat at home against Chelsea on April 12th, the one-time Everton boss has seen his side win five of their previous six matchups across all formats. More impressive, including back-to-back victories away at Stamford Bridge and Sevilla over the past few weeks, Real Madrid have won each of their previous six contests on the road, a run that stems back to the middle of February.

Team News

In what could be a major blow for Real Madrid here, it appears that defensive talisman David Alaba is a doubt on Tuesday night.

However, Los Blancos are hopeful that the duo of Casemiro and Ferland Mendy could feature here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Tuesday’s opponents last faced off back in the 2020 campaign, Manchester City picked up back-to-back 2-1 wins.
• However, Los Blancos have won each of their previous six away fixtures across all formats.
• Karim Benzema has scored 12 Champions League goals in just his nine appearances this season.
• Man City have scored 12 goals in just their last four matchups across all formats.
• In fact, the last three meetings between City and Madrid have produced 11 strikes at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

On paper, neutrals from across Europe will be hoping for another free-scoring affair at the Etihad here. With both sides picking up some perfect momentum a few days ago, we really have a heavyweight showdown on our hands in midweek. In a contest that sees a string of European superstars on display, don’t be surprised to see chances come thick and fast. With Manchester City picking up back-to-back 2-1 victories when they faced off against Los Blancos two years ago, we’re once again backing both teams to find that net at the Etihad on Tuesday night.

Verdict: Both teams to score 

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet