Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted that he has a selection dilemma ahead of his side’s clash against Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be out to try and seek revenge after suffering a 5-1 defeat over two legs to City in the Champions League semi-finals last season and they would be determined to make a statement in the first leg at home.
As for Guardiola, his focus will be on picking the best possible team to ensure his side gets a result in the Spanish capital.
It was recently reported that Kyle Walker has been ruled out of the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
While John Stones had also picked up an injury, he started against Crystal Palace in Manchester City’s 4-2 win on Saturday.
As a result, Stones seems like a likely starter on Tuesday night.
However, Josko Gvardiol is believed to have sustained a “niggle” against Palace, as per Rico Lewis.
The Croatian was substituted off at half time but what is not ideal for the Sky Blues is that Pep Guardiola recently revealed that is unsure when Nathan Ake will return from injury.
Pep Guardiola confirms selection dilemma ahead of City vs Real Madrid
With three injuries in defence, City are preparing to go toe-to-toe with one of the most frightening attacks in the world.
The likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham are capable of ripping most teams in the world to shreds.
Even though that was not the case last season, Bellingham’s addition has singlehandedly improved the Spanish giants as a team, while the Brazilian pair have fared well against City in the past.
As a result, all eyes will be on Guardiola’s team selection for the first leg, especially considering he does not have a fully fit squad to pick from for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Whether the Catalan tactician plays it safe or go all guns blazing is a question that is begging to be answered.
In the meantime, City have a selection dilemma on their hands.
That too, is the most important position in football.
Pep Guardiola has admitted to this as he is unsure whether to bring Ederson back into the team against Real Madrid or stick with Manchester City number two Stefan Ortega.
“I have to think about it because Eddie [Ederson] comes from injury, he feels good, I think so. Now, [we] have to decide if a lack of rhythm, have to decide but we are really pleased with Stefan [Ortega]”, he said [via BeanymanSports].
“He’s an exceptional ‘keeper.”
Ederson does have to get the backing over Stefan Ortega against Real Madrid
In our view, if the Manchester City number one Ederson is indeed fully fit to start, Pep Guardiola should start him against Real Madrid over Stefan Ortega.
If that were to end up being the case, Ortega would justifiably be upset as he has been excellent as a deputy for the Brazilian in recent weeks.
But Ederson has been there and done that and especially if Real Madrid press City high up the pitch, his inch-perfect distribution will prove key.
Ultimately, Los Merengues might have to take the game to City due to their home advantage in the first leg.
Furthermore, if the Sky Blues’ number 31 is fit and Ortega is preferred to him, that might damage his confidence when he is drafted into the side for the second leg, which is a risk not worth taking as well.
However, it would be wise for Pep Guardiola to side with Stefan Ortega as his go-to man against Real Madrid if he feels Ederson is in need of more rhythm in a Manchester City shirt.
Having been injured since City’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool, the former Benfica goalkeeper has missed plenty of football and he might be rusty heading into the big Champions League showdown.