Manchester City are back in Champions League action this week for the second leg of the quarter-final against Real Madrid -and David James is adamant about one player’s selection.
City thumped Luton Town 5-1 at the weekend with Pep Guardiola able to rest key players ahead of the game with Real.
The likes of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were all kept back.
There was a chance for Jeremy Doku to play on the left for City, and the electric Belgian turned in one of his best performances for the club since joining. He was described as ‘brilliant’ by Micah Richards, and it was the kind of performance he needed.
But, as good as he was, the 21-year-old may find himself back on the bench for the game with Real Madrid.
In the eyes of David James, there is no way he will be starting over Jack Grealish…
David James explains why Pep Guardiola will start Jack Grealish for Manchester City against Real Madrid
It has been a stop-start season for Grealish, who recently opened up about his struggles this term.
The 28-year-old was integral for City last season as the club won the Treble, but for the most part this campaign, Grealish has been a bit-part player.
His injury problems have been a real frustration for him, but just recently he has come back into form, with great displays against Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and then the first leg against Real Madrid.
He was rested against Luton, but David James thinks he will get the nod this Wednesday against Real.
He said on City’s Matchday Live show: “There’s a way you expect Madrid to play. Pep has options and when Jeremy plays in the way he did today, there will be a point in the game that Pep will envisage that Doku might be the player to take that position as opposed to Grealish. Whereas I think there’ll be more chances for Grealish to do what Pep needs him to do to win the game.
“I’m trying to play the chess game three moves ahead – I think it’s more of a Jack Grealish game to start, than a Doku game, even though Doku did very well today.”
James also said that he felt that the Real Madrid defenders would be wary of Doku coming off the bench.
Grealish has to start
Many City fans would also predict that Grealish will start the second leg against Real Madrid.
Doku was fantastic against Luton, but this is most definitely a game for Grealish and the control he brings to the team from the left.
Doku is much more direct and brings chaos. If City need a spark in the second-half, then Pep will surely turn to him.
But it’s hard to see the Spaniard looking past Grealish – a player he’s described as ‘unique’ – to start on the left, especially now he is back in form.
This is a huge game and Grealish has garnered a bit of a reputation as being someone who does perform in big games since his arrival at the club. He’s more experienced and can handle the occasion and responsibility.