Arsene Wenger has backed Manchester City to reach the Champions League final but has highlighted one 'vulnerable' area in Pep Guardiola's side.
The reigning Premier League champions edged a seven-goal thriller in their semi final first-leg clash with Real Madrid to take a narrow advantage to the Spanish capital. It was a dominant display from City, but a brace from Karim Benzema and a fine individual effort from Vinicius Jr ensures the tie remains in the balance.
Guardiola was forced to make changes to his defence for the 4-3 win, with centre-back John Stones starting in an unfamiliar right-back role. However, the England international was forced off in the first half through injury and replaced by experienced holding midfielder Fernandinho.
The former Brazil international provided the assist for City's third goal, but was exposed by Vinicius Jr's pace as the visitors struck back just two minutes later. Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker were both ruled out for the first leg, but have been included in the squad for the return clash on Wednesday night.
Wenger has backed City to book their ticket to Paris to face familiar foes Liverpool in the final on May 28. However, the Arsenal legend feels Guardiola's team suffer defensively without Walker's recovery pace.
Asked for his prediction on beIN Sport, Wenger said: "City. They are the better team. The only thing with City, they can be vulnerable when Walker doesn’t play in that defence.
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"When they have [Joao] Cancelo and Walker they can deal well with the passes in behind the defenders. When Walker is not there, they are a bit more vulnerable."
City thrashed Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday to preserve their one-point lead at the top of the table. Guardiola's side could have to win all four remaining league fixtures to stave off the challenge of in-form Liverpool and retain their crown.
In contrast, Real celebrated their latest La Liga triumph at the weekend following an emphatic 4-0 home win over Espanyol on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti's side arguably boast Europe's most in-form striker in Karim Benzema, with the France international scoring 14 times in 10 Champions League appearances this season.
However, Wenger believes the Spanish champions have an 'average defence' which is often masked by the 'exceptional' Thibaut Courtois and a veteran midfield partnership. The former Gunners boss said: "I would say they have a normal defence if not an average defence with an exceptional goalkeeper.
"They have a very skilful midfield with very intelligent decisions makers but who are a bit over the hill physically. And that is why when they get out of pressure they can still make an intelligent pass. They have two strikers, one who does everything you want, every touch he makes is a dream for a guy who loves football and Vinicius who can individually create something."
