ARSENE WENGER has backed “vulnerable” Manchester City to overcome Real Madrid – even though they will miss Kyle Walker.
Pep Guardiola’s side head to the Bernabeu on Wednesday night for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Kyle Walker is facing a late race to make Man City’s clash at Real Madrid Credit: AFP
Arsene Wenger says the Cityzens are vulnerable without him Credit: Reuters The Premier League leaders hold a 4-3 advantage following a thriller at the Etihad last week.
City played that clash without key defender Walker due to the ankle injury he suffered in the last round against Atletico Madrid.
It has kept him out for three weeks but he returned to training on Tuesday and has travelled with his team-mates to the Spanish capital.
Former Arsenal manager Wenger, who led the Gunners to the 2006 final, has backed City to get the job done against the 11-time European champions.
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Real Madrid vs Man City: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time However, he did highlight how vulnerable Guardiola’s men would be if Walker fails to make it.
Wenger, when asked for his prediction, told beIN Sports: “City. They are the better team.
“The only thing with City, they can be vulnerable when Walker doesn’t play in that defence.
“When they have [Joao] Cancelo and Walker they can deal well with the passes in behind the defenders. When Walker is not there, they are a bit more vulnerable.”
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Wenger believes Madrid’s main threat comes from in-form Karim Benzema, who has nine goals in his last four Champions League outings.
He added: “I would say they have a normal defence if not an average defence with an exceptional goalkeeper.
“They have a very skilful midfield with very intelligent decisions makers but who are a bit over the hill physically.
“And that is why when they get out of pressure they can still make an intelligent pass.
“They have two strikers, one who does everything you want, every touch he makes is a dream for a guy who loves football and Vinicius who can individually create something.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
