Could tonight be the night where Pep Guardiola unleashes Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne in midfield? It would be a bold move from Pep Guardiola to unleash the duo on the biggest stage. It could be the ultimate case of risk versus reward to pair Foden and De Bruyne in midfield. The move has the potential to shock Carlo Ancelotti’s side. It is also a tactical move that could play into Real Madrid’s hands if it wasn’t to work.
Manchester City and Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie is delicately poised at 3-all after last week’s riveting first leg at the Bernabeu. Given how evenly poised the tie is, both teams will be looking for any advantage to progress to the semi-final stage of this season’s Champions League. The potential of Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne in the heart of midfield could tip the balance in City’s favour.
The pairing of two of City’s most creative midfielders would give Real Madrid a serious issue to solve. Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne as a midfield pairing have the potential to force the La Liga leaders on to the backfoot when Pep Guardiola’s side has possession. The duo could also help unlock Erling Haaland, who was well held against Carlo Ancelotti’s side a week ago. It is a tantalising prospect on paper, but it does come with risk if Pep Guardiola chose to unleash the duo tonight.
READ MORE: The ability of the Manchester City squad to handle the moment could be crucial tonight.
While in an attacking sense, the midfield pairing appears a match made in heaven. The counterargument to the pairing is that it could play into Real Madrid’s hands. It is likely that the La Liga leaders will sit back and attempt to hit Manchester City on the counter. It was that tactic that helped Real Madrid overturn an early deficit in last week’s first leg. With their pace up front, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be looking to seize on any loss of possession by the European champions to play in their electric wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Given how aggressive Foden and De Bruyne can be with their passing game, it may not be the ideal occasion to unleash the duo in midfield.
There will be a time when Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne are unleashed in midfield. It has long been a dream of Manchester City fans to see the duo wreck havoc as a midfield pairing. But tonight’s do or die clash with Real Madrid may not be the ideal setting for such a move.
On the other hand, it may require a bold move from Pep Guardiola to book Manchester City’s place in the semi-final stage of this season’s UEFA Champions League. With great risk comes great reward, and the Manchester City team selection is a story to watch for when the teams are announced before kick off.
Should Manchester City progress past Real Madrid tonight and qualify for the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, they will be one step closer to defending the crown they famously won last season. If Manchester City can make their way to this season’s Champions League final at Wembley, a helpful guide on how to secure Champions League Final Tickets can be found by following the link provided.
