How Manchester City could line up against Real Madrid

Manchester City are in Champions League action for the first time since being hit by an impending two-year ban from European competition as they travel to Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The English champions have won back-to-back games in the Premier League to build some momentum ahead of the last-16 first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

There is an EFL Cup final showdown with Aston Villa to prepare for next weekend, but for now all focus is on this midweek trip to Spain.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how City may line up for the meeting with Madrid.

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Doubtful: Raheem Sterling (hamstring), Aymeric Laporte (knock), Leroy Sane (knee)

> Click here for City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Aymeric Laporte hobbled off the pitch just before the hour mark in City's 1-0 win over Leicester City at the weekend, but Guardiola has provided a positive update on the centre-back's fitness.

There is good news further up the pitch, too, as Guardiola also expects Raheem Sterling to be fit to play a part after sitting out two matches with a hamstring injury.

Whether he is fit enough to start is another matter, meaning Bernardo Silva - or possibly even fellow fitness doubt Leroy Sane - may be asked to slot into the front three.

Bernardo is otherwise expected to get the nod in central midfield, although namesake David should also be available and Ilkay Gundogan is another who will be keen to play a part.

Elsewhere, Guardiola is likely to stick with Sergio Aguero up top, despite the striker's recent below-par displays and Gabriel Jesus' winner from the bench versus Leicester.