Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Oliver King & Jack Flintham

Pundits agree on John Stones and Gabriel Jesus concerns for Man City vs Real Madrid

Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott have shared their concerns regarding John Stones and Gabriel Jesus starting for Manchester City against Real Madrid.

The two teams clash at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night as City look to gain a first leg advantage in their Champions League semi-final tie. Stones, who has only just regained fitness, will be starting in the unfamiliar right-back position tonight tasked with keeping Vinicius Junior quiet.

Meanwhile Jesus — who has been linked with a move away from City this week — starts for Pep Guardiola's side after scoring four against Watford on Saturday. Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand began by sharing his concerns regarding Stones: "I think tonight will be a huge challenge for him given who he is up against.

ALSO READ: Michael Owen dubs Man City 'favourites' vs Real Madrid and makes score prediction

"If Vinicius stays up there like he did at Stamford Bridge, it is going to be a big test for Stones. I believe there will be help out there for him to try and nullify that threat and I think that will be a key battle throughout the game today."

Lescott then added that he believed Jesus was only picked tonight due to his performance against Watford. "I think his performance at the weekend had to influence his decision this evening," he explained.

"His confidence has got to be sky high, he is playing with one of the best teams in the competition."

Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.