Real Madrid will visit the Etihad Stadium in midweek for the 2nd leg of their Champions League tie. The aggregate score for Man City vs Real Madrid is 3-3, therefore both teams need a win to progress to the semifinal. With that in mind, here are 3 non-negotiable starters as far as Carlo Ancelotti is concerned...
Man City vs Real Madrid: 3 non-negotiable starters for Carlo Ancelotti in 2nd leg
1. Rodrygo
Rodrygo played excellently against Man City at the Bernabeu. Therefore, he simply has to start in the away leg in midweek.
It wasn't just Rodrygo's goal which made him a standout player. Instead, he tormented Bernardo Silva on that flank and his physical presence was enough to cover Ferland Mendy in defence.
Rodrygo is clearly a hungry player who wishes to prove himself to Carlo Ancelotti between now and the end of the season. However, he needs the platform to do that. Therefore, while he is giving the Italian boss every reason to believe in him, Ancelotti must repay the favour by allowing Rodrygo to play at his best by giving him game time.
It really is a win-win situation for every person involved, that way.
Continued on the next slide...