Europe UEFA Champions League Semi-finals, 1st Leg (26-27 April)

[spkutano]

 

[spkutano]

Manchester City vs Real Madrid Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester City:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling

Real Madrid:
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Marcelo; Kroos, Camavinga, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Junior

Having already seen off one Madrid-based outfit this season, Manchester City host Real Madrid at the Etihad in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night. Pep Guardiola's side made it past Atletico Madrid 1:0 on aggregate in the last eight, while Real edged past Chelsea 7:6 to make it to the semis. Both teams are leaders in domestic leagues and both teams are favorites for the title. The Citizens are in good form, they won 5:1 against Watford during the weekend. Gabriel Jesus was a key figure on the match. The Brazilian striker scored four goals and made a fifth. With only five league games of the season to go, City know they will be champions if they win all their remaining matches. However, the Citizens showed some weaknesses in the last period. They lost 3:2 to Liverpool in the semi-final of the FA Cup and played a goalless draw with Atletico Madrid at Wanda, even it was enough for progress. However, 10-men Atletico were superior and that fact should worry Guardiola. The Spaniard has some additional worries and will miss Joao Cancelo for the first leg due to suspension. Two more defenders are doubtful due to injury. Kyle Walker will probably recover from an ankle issue in time for this game and it remains to be seen if John Stones will battle back from a muscular injury to make himself available. About the attack, Gabriel Jesus is pushing for a starting place after scoring four goals on Saturday.

Real Madrid are the most successful club in the history of the competition, they are 13-time winners. This season Los Blancos were good on road and won all three away matches in the group, beating Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk and Sherrif Tiraspol. Even more, Real beat Chelsea 3:1 at Stamford Bridge, so the only defeat came in Paris where PSG won 1:0. The domestic form is also good, Real managed to register victories on the last five visits in La Liga. Ancelotti's men won at Rayo Vallecano, Mallorca, Celta Vigo, Sevilla and Osasuna. The players confidence is high and this could be very important ahead of this tough match. Ancelotti has no suspension worries, even Eder Militao is available after serving a ban in the home loss to Chelsea. However, the Italian coach has some injury worries as many players are struggling. David Alaba was taken off with a thigh issue against Osasuna. The defender missed the training sessions during the weekend and he is rated as doubtful. Four additional players are also injured - Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Mariano Diaz and Casemiro. Most probably this match is coming too soon for them. Ferland Mendy was able to complete part of the training session and he is rated as doubtful. Luka Modric was rested against Osasuna, but will take his place in the midfield here. Marcelo should be fit enough to replace Mendy if needed.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid Prediction:

I expect a tight match at the Etihad. Manchester City are favorites, mainly due to the home advantage. However, Real Madrid are still dangerous and shouldn't be underestimated. As I wrote above, they are the most successful club in the history of the competition with 13 trophies. Real have already eliminated PSG and the reigning champions Chelsea. The players confidence is high and I think Real won't lose high.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid Pick: Real Madrid +1.5 AH @ 1.65 with Pinnacle

 

[mayertom]

Their last H2H are very interesting over 2.5 and BTTS. I expect the same to happen again. While the number of corners are low too. average 6 corners. Both teams are attacking through the center, which is bad if you want to play on over corners. they have players which are preferring to hold possession.
Long story short, I don't expect over 9 corners.
My pick is : Under 4 corners First Half. odds around 2.25