Real Madrid: Three big tactical predictions vs. Manchester City

Marcelo or Ferland Mendy at left-back?

If the 2019-20 season is anything to go by, Ferland Mendy is the obvious candidate to start at the Etihad Stadium over Marcelo, even on a night as grand as the UEFA Champions Round of 16.

Mendy, with all his incredible performances, lacks a few things which Marcelo has in abundance: the experience of playing such high-octane games and the ability to handle the pressure and expectations of millions of Madridistas who have a lot of faith in you to turn things around.

Real Madrid cannot afford to concede a goal if they are to turn the tables, and Mendy is a kind of player whose defensive contributions are tremendous. Mendy could be the key to frustrate City’s attack if Real can get a goal early on and clutch City into panic mode.

Marcelo could’ve helped Real’s cause as his poise and panache on the ball down the left flank has left the best of defences in their wake. He is an offensive supernova on his day, and Zidane could really use his elegance to make a difference to the aggregate scoreline.

All things point to just one direction though. Marcelo suffered an injury during the final stretches of the league and had to miss out the remainder of La Liga. His match fitness would be under scrutiny, having not played even a single minute since suffering the injury.

Mendy was in fine form after the resumption of the league. He even grabbed his first goal in a Real Madrid shirt. He is set to start the game, and he has definitely improved the offensive aspect of his game. This is Mendy’s chance to prove that he is no pushover when it comes to influencing what happens in the final third.