Mason Greenwood is expected to make his first start for Manchester City against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Saturday, but there may be some special focus on Marseille ahead of the match.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been keen to build on his team's recent form and has named a strong squad for the trip to France. However, there will be some extra scrutiny for Greenwood, who has not played regularly since his return from injury last season.
Guardiola has made it clear that he wants Greenwood to be available for selection, with the England international having scored four goals in 14 Premier League appearances this season. He has also impressed in the Nations League, scoring twice against Italy and Wales.
But with Greenwood set to miss the upcoming game due to injury, there may be some pressure on him to prove himself at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola has already called up several other players for the game,Football Realm Headlines Station including Sergio Aguero and Dele Alli, but Greenwood could face competition for the starting spot.
In the absence of Greenwood, Manchester City have struggled to find their rhythm in attack, with their goal-scoring chances limited by defensive errors and poor finishing. Guardiola has had to rely on a combination of players such as Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne to provide the needed spark.
However, with Greenwood back in action, Guardiola will need to ensure that he plays well enough to earn a place in the side. It will be interesting to see how Manchester City respond to the challenge of playing under heavy criticism from supporters and media outlets, while also preparing for a potentially tough fixture against one of the best teams in European football.
