Erling Haaland decision revealed in eight changes -Man City predicted XI vs Real Madrid
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Tue 10 March 2026 18:30, UK Erling Haaland looks set to return to Manchester City‘s starting eleven as they face Real Madrid in the first leg of a blockbuster Champions League round of 16 tie this week.Man City pipped Real Madrid to automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League by finishing one place above the Spanish giants in eighth during the league phase.Madrid saw off Benfica in the play-offs to set up a huge tie against City, with this being the first time in UCL history that two teams have met in the knockouts in five consecutive seasons.Pep Guardiola’s side have won seven of their last eight games in all competitions, as they booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Newcastle last time out.Erling Haaland missed out on Man City’s last match through injury, and Football Insider have predicted the starting eleven that Guardiola could put out at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. ⚽ Man City Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, tactical previews and expert breakdowns for every Manchester City fixture. VISIT THE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Man City’s predicted XI vs Real MadridGuardiola rang the changes for their cup tie at St James’ Park, but this starting side is set to be closer to full strength, as number one keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma likely takes the gloves over James Trafford.Matheus Nunes could be one of the few to keep his place from last time out at right-back, but Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi look set to replace John Stones and Abdukodir Khusanov in the heart of defence, with Rayan Ait-Nouri potentially returning ahead of Nathan Ake on the left flank.Nico O’Reilly should retain his spot in midfield, but Rodri and Bernardo Silva will expect to return to the fold in place of Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez.Jeremy Doku has started six of City’s seven UCL matches this season and may well remain on the left wing, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Guardiola is concerned about Phil Foden’s performances at present.In-form winger Antoine Semenyo is now able to play in the Champions League after being added to City’s knockout stage squad, and is likely to replace Savinho on the right of the front three.Omar Marmoush did impress with a brace to sink Newcastle over the weekend, but Haaland’s return to fitness will surely see him named in the starting eleven to lead the line once more.How to watch Real Madrid vs Man CityThe first leg of this huge tie will kick off at 8pm on Wednesday, 11 March at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.Viewers in the UK will be able to catch the action on TNT Sports 1 and online on discovery +, with coverage set to start at 7pm.Highlights of every Champions League round of 16 first leg will be shown on BBC One and iPlayer in England and Scotland at 10:40pm, in Wales at 11:15pm, and in Northern Ireland at 11:40pm.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man City Insider Access Get the full story from the Etihad Stadium and CFA with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Etihad Campus.