Man City v Real Madrid preview

Striker Mario Balotelli is doubtful for Manchester City's Champions League Group D clash against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday due to a back problem.

Last Updated: 21/11/12 at 10:22

Mario Balotelli: Injury doubt

Mario Balotelli: Injury doubt

Left-back Gael Clichy is almost certainly out after suffering an ankle injury in the 5-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Midfielder James Milner (hamstring) could return but Jack Rodwell (hamstring) is unlikely to feature despite returning to training and right-back Micah Richards (knee) and centre-back Kolo Toure (ineligible) are out.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has selected a squad of 20 players for the game, which will see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Manchester for the first time since leaving United in 2009.

Karim Benzema should start up front after impressing against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, with Gonzalo Higuain unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

Marcelo is sidelined with a broken foot, so Fabio Coentrao is in at left-back and Michael Essien, who is on loan from Chelsea, has not travelled after missing the win over Bilbao.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Champions League Fixtures

Saturday, 25 May 2013
19:45
B Dortmund v Bay Munich  

Footer 365

Bastian Schweinsteiger aiming to treat Wembley to footballing perfection

Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger aims to treat Wembley to footballing perfection in the Champions League final.

Pardew to remain at the helm

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will remain in charge at St James' Park after holding talks about his future with owner Mike Ashley.

LB: Toffees won't come unstuck

Leighton Baines insists the upheaval of losing manager David Moyes to Manchester United after 11 years in charge will not derail Everton.

Mail Box

More Scared Of Losing AVB Than Bale...

We thought we would have to resort to another mailbox about maths but we've had some grand opinions about Man United, Newcastle, Tottenham and more. Oh and maths...

An Ode To Rafa And Loads More Mails...

We have one Chelsea fan who recognises the job done by Rafa Benitez while there's maths from Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester. And Shawcross to Arsenal? Nah...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved