Ben Mee says Brentford will be going all out to secure qualification for the Europa Conference League when they take on Manchester City on Sunday.
09.05.2023 - 09:59 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Pep Guardiola has named his 21-man travelling squad for this evening's Champions League semi-final first leg clash at Real Madrid.
City travelled to the Spanish capital on Monday afternoon, hoping to avenge last season's shock elimination at this very stage. The Blues dominated both legs and had a two-goal lead going into added-time at the Bernabeu, but two goals from Rodrygo inexplicably sent the tie into extra-time before Karim Benzema's penalty completed the comeback.
Guardiola's side are favourites to go all the way and bring a first Champions League trophy to the Etihad, with victory over Los Blancos setting up a final against either AC Milan or Inter Milan in Istanbul.
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There were doubts over the fitness of Nathan Ake, who was not involved in City's open training session prior to travelling. The Dutchman limped off in the 54th minute of Saturday's 2-1 win over Leeds United, appearing to suffer a recurrence of the hamstring problem that has kept him out in recent weeks.
That issue will keep him out until at least the weekend, with Guardiola leaving him out of the squad for this evening's clash, that being the only major omission.
Cole Palmer was involved in training and has returned to the first-team squad, following his own spell on the sidelines with a minor issue. The 21-year-old replaces Ake in the travelling party, with Guardiola removing a defender for an attacker.
Palmer's addition means Guardiola will have six forwards to choose from, with the youngster joining fellow EDS graduate Phil Foden as well as Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland.
Man City squad in full
Goalkeepers: Ederson, Ortega, Carson
Defenders: Walk
Ben Mee says Brentford will be going all out to secure qualification for the Europa Conference League when they take on Manchester City on Sunday.
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Two European heavyweights go head-to-head once again on the biggest stage as Manchester City prepare to face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg. Pep Guardiola's side travel to Madrid to face the reigning champions and will be looking for revenge after they were knocked out by Carlo Ancelotti's side last season.
Manchester City have been here before.
Here are your Manchester City evening headlines for Monday, May 8.
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