Home / Football Betting Tips & Predictions / Champions League Previews and Team News Manchester City v Real Madrid: Line-ups, stats and preview as hosts target incredible comeback Manchester City host Real Madrid tomorrow night. Read our in-depth preview here... Written by Jon Fisher Last Update: March 16, 2026 03:15:34 pm GMT 4 min read Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva hopes Pep Guardiola keeps faith with Erling Haaland against Real Madrid tomorrow night, claiming big players are there for the big moments. The Norway international has not scored in four games a drought that has lasted over a month and cut a frustrated figure in Saturday nights 1-1 draw at West Ham.That has led to suggestions he could be left out for Citys crunch Champions League round of 16, second leg tie against Madrid but Silva is eager for Guardiola to stick with the ace marksman.He said: We wouldnt be shocked with anything, because it is not our job to judge the managers decision, he gets paid a lot of money to make those decisions.We have a big squad, anyone is ready to play. Erling is a massive player for us, very important player, and in the big games you need those players. But we have fantastic players everywhere.No-one is irreplaceable. I would obviously prefer to have Erling because when you have Erling on the pitch you are scoring goals, and we need goals tomorrow.Weve played without Erling when he was injured, weve dealt with those situations. The big players are there for the big moments.It would be a major surprise if Haaland was left out given City have to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against the 15-time European champions.This sport has taught us that a lot of things can happen. Even though the result in Madrid was really bad, we will fight until the end, added Portugal midfielder Silva.The opponent is a very good one. At home, a lot of things can happen. We are going to try create the right atmosphere for that to happen.Silva was the only player that had to report to work today with the rest of the squad given additional rest after a hectic period.I was the only one who didnt get a day off, said Silva with a smile.Weve done it in the past, plenty of times. When we lost games, when weve won games, when the manager felt it was best for the team.With all the trips weve had this week, I think he felt it best for us to sleep better and come back tomorrow stronger and ready for the game.Madrid arrived in Manchester this morning boosted by the fact both Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham were on the flight.Neither man is expected to start at the Etihad as they continue their recovery from injury but their mere presence will be a filip for Madrid, who come into the game on the back of a 4-1 win over Elche at the weekend.Table of Contents1 Team news for Manchester City v Real Madrid2 Predicted line-ups for Manchester City v Real Madrid3 Where to watch Manchester City v Real Madrid: TV and online streams4 Stats for Manchester City v Real Madrid5 Prediction for Manchester City v Real Madrid6 What To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemTeam news for Manchester City v Real MadridIt is unlikely Guardiola will go gung-ho although he may opt to recall Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku for their creativity.Madrid will go with the bulk of the side that beat Elche but Arda Guler, who scored a stunning long-range effort in that game, is set to be included from the start. Dani Carvajal may keep his place at right-back instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.David Alaba, Raul Asencio, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo are all sidelined.Predicted line-ups for Manchester City v Real MadridManchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Guehi, Dias, OReilly; Rodri, Silva, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; HaalandReal Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Huijsen, Rudiger, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler, Diaz, Vinicius JrWhere to watch Manchester City v Real Madrid: TV and online streamsManchester City versus Real Madrid kicks off tomorrow night at 8pm UK time. You can watch it in the UK on Amazon Prime.To watch elsewhere in the world, clickHEREto find your local rights holder.Stats for Manchester City v Real MadridManchester City have lost three of their last four Champions League games against Real MadridA Pep Guardiola side has not progressed from a Champions League knockout tie after losing the first leg since the 2014-15 quarter-finals when he managed Bayern Munich against PortoReal Madrid have never been eliminated from a major European competition after winning the first leg by three goals or morePrediction for Manchester City v Real Madrid Manchester City 3 1 Real Madrid We think City will win and get close to a remarkable remontada but fall just short.Madrid will get chances on the break and they have too much quality to not take at least one. Bet Here What To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemWe understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133GamCare:www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware:www.gambleaware.com Topics: Manchester City F.C. Real Madrid CF Follow us: Jon Fisher Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events. Read more from Jon Fisher
