Mendy likely to start ahead of Marcelo for Real Madrid against City

Zinedine Zidane only has four training sessions left ahead of the match against Manchester City in the Champions League. After losing the home leg 2-1 and with Sergio Ramos suspended, there's very little room for error when it comes to the 2nd leg in England. The first decision Zidane must make is whether he sticks with 4-4-2 or switches to 4-3-3.

Militao will replace Ramos at the back and join Varane as the two centre backs. Carvajal will be at right-back but there's less clarity on the opposite flank. Marcelo is naturally more offensive but is guilty of being caught out of position. Mendy is the more solid option and is a better defender. Coming up against a determined Pep Guardiola side, Mendy makes more sense to start.  

ONE PLACE COULD DEFINE THE SYSTEM 

If Zidane opts for the more defensive-minded Mendy, it would signal him sticking with the system which helped win him LaLiga. Casemiro, Modric and Kroos are certain starters in midfield and you'd imagine Benzema, alongside the fit-again Eden Hazard, would occupy the two forward slots. Zidane would then need to decide whether he adds an extra midfielder or attacker.

If you look back at past history, Isco has a strong case to play. He's started two of the last Champions League finals that Madrid have won. However, Isco's form has dipped in recent weeks and might not be at peak fitness either. A more natural central midfielder would be Valverde if it's 4-4-2. If Zidane decides he needs to go on the attack, it would probably see Rodrygo and Asensio fight for that spot on the left. Vinicius Jr is likely to miss out because he plays on the same flank as Hazard.