Man City vs Real Madrid prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Champions League preview for play off first leg

THE new Champions League format promised huge clashes earlier on in the competition and they certainly deliver that when Manchester City and Real Madrid meet on Tuesday.

The pair flopped in the league phase, finishing outside the top eight and setting up this huge play-off clash for a spot in the last-16.

So SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the European showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

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Manchester City vs Real Madrid preview

The new format has thrown up a blockbuster clash and neither Manchester City nor Real Madrid would want this so early.

City's wretched form since that Spurs defeat in the League Cup in October likely makes them underdogs to progress here.

They needed Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden to come off the bench to progress in the FA Cup at League One Leyton Orient at the weekend.

The rather embarrassing scenes of the pair playing for time and taking the ball into the corner shows how fragile the side is at present.

So it's a good thing for them that Madrid arrive with a defensive injury crisis which was furthered at the weekend.

Madrid arrive without Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquex AND Eder Militao, with a new-look, makeshift back four set to play.

However, they will still have a dynamic front line which is bound to cause this shaky City defence issues.

It's the fourth straight European competition that these sides have matched up in, with Madrid winning on penalties after a 4-4 score on aggregate in last season's quarter finals.

City had beaten them 4-0 and 4-3 on their previous two visits to the Etihad. With attack the best form of defence, those high scores could come into play again here.

First scorer and correct score predictions

• Correct score: 2-2 at 9/1 with Betfred -

• First scorer: Vinicius Jr 13/2 with talkSPORT BET -

Man City vs Real Madrid latest odds

• Man City at 19/20 with William Hill -

• Draw at 11/4 with Betfred -

• Real Madrid at 9/5 with BetMGM -

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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Man City vs Real Madrid predictions and tips

Tchou are ya?

This back four are going to be seriously tested, particularly against a Man City team who have to come out and go for it at home you'd think.

That could put all sorts of pressure on Aurelien Tchouameni, who has filled in there plenty of times but it's still not completely natural for him.

The physical battle with Erling Haaland will test him, as will the likely speed out wide. Booked in last European game at Brest.

• Aurelien Tchouameni to be carded at 3/1 with William Hill -

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