Manchester City v Real Madrid: Back Grealish and Carvajal to battle it out

• Carvajal to struggle again in Grealish battle

• Rodyrgo SOT has landed 28 times out of 38

• Back Bet Builder double at 7/24.50

• Read about Betfair's 90 Minute Payout offer here

Manchester City v Real Madrid
Wednesday 17 April, 20:00
Live on TNT Sports 1

By his high standards, it's not been the best of seasons for Jack Grealish but the England international is very much back in favour now at Manchester City.

The former Aston Villa man fully justified his selection in last week's thrilling 3-3 draw at the Bernabeu, causing Real all sorts of problems down the City left and a repeat could well be on the cards in this one.

Grealish managed three shots and was fouled four times in that first leg. This week, he's even money to repeat his shots effort and odds-on to draw 3+ fouls.

Leg 1: Dani Carvajal 2+ fouls

However, for greater odds we can turn to his direct opponent, namely Dani Carvajal, who is 17/102.70 to be shown a card and 6/42.50 to commit 2+ fouls.

Both bets landed in last week's game and the aging Spanish international looks in for another tough night, especially if the contest is as open as it was in Madrid.

My preference is to back Carvajal in the fouls market.

That could prove an agonising decision if the full-back is booked for his first foul and is hauled off at half time - and referee Daniele Orsato is an above-average carder but slightly below average when it comes to fouls per game.

However, the Italian official is also someone who produces a large majority of his cards in the second half of games - he usually lets things go in the first half an hour - and Grealish can hopefully cause some early damage.

Leg 2: Rodrygo 1+ shot on target

I'll double the Carvajal 2+ fouls bet up with Real forward Rodrygo to have a shot on target.

This is something he's landed in 33 of his 43 Real appearances this season, including in the first leg when two of his three shots were on target, all of which makes 5/61.84 look a decent price.

As they showed last Tuesday, Real's counter-attacking ability is capable of causing City big problems; Chelsea and Liverpool have done likewise this season.

Rodrygo has had more shots for Real in this competition than any of his team-mates and I'd expect him to get at least a couple of chances here.

For those seeking a bit extra in price terms, Bernardo Silva for 2+ shots caught the eye at odds-against - he managed three at the Bernabeu - but I'm happy to stick with the double which pays around 7/24.50.

More City v Real: Lewis Jones' in-depth preview & 12/1 shot