Champions League previews: This is Manchester City’s potential season-saver 

Daniel Storey looks at how the lay-off may work for - and against - the sides chasing Champions League glory as the tournament's second round kicks back into gear this weekend.

Kevin De Bruyne will be the key star if Manchester City are to progress past Real Madrid at the Etihad. Picture: Peter Powell/Getty Images

Manchester City v Real Madrid (tomorrow, 8pm, 2-1 agg)

Despite being preseason favourites for all four competitions in which they have participated, Champions League exit would mark the third time in Pep Guardiola’s coaching career that he has failed to win either a domestic title or Europe’s flagship competition. Win it, and his Manchester City project grows in scale despite a disappointing domestic season.