Real Madrid v Manchester City: Three key battles

Even if Pep Guardiola's faith and patience with Kyle Walker have worn thin, his options are severely limited. Vinicius is likely to provide the La Liga side’s main attacking threat

LIMITED OPTIONS: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gives instructions to Kyle Walker. Pic: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Kyle Walker v Vinicius Junior 

Pep Guardiola left the England defender out of the weekend win over Leeds, an indication that he is banking on his experience and pace for the visit to Madrid. It has hardly been a vintage season from the veteran fullback, with injuries, indifferent form and off-field distractions raising their head. But even if Guardiola's faith and patience with Walker have worn thin, his options are severely limited. With Vinicius Junior likely to provide the La Liga side’s main attacking threat, this is not the game for Guardiola to employ his "inverted full-back" role, which has often seen John Stones spend more time in midfield than in defence. And teenage defender Rico Lewis, who started against Leeds, is hugely promising but the Bernabeu is no place for potential.