Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott have shared their concerns regarding John Stones and Gabriel Jesus starting for Manchester City against Real Madrid.
The two teams clash at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night as City look to gain a first leg advantage in their Champions League semi-final tie. Stones, who has only just regained fitness, will be starting in the unfamiliar right-back position tonight tasked with keeping Vinicius Junior quiet.
Meanwhile Jesus — who has been linked with a move away from City this week — starts for Pep Guardiola's side after scoring four against Watford on Saturday. Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand began by sharing his concerns regarding Stones: "I think tonight will be a huge challenge for him given who he is up against.
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"If Vinicius stays up there like he did at Stamford Bridge, it is going to be a big test for Stones. I believe there will be help out there for him to try and nullify that threat and I think that will be a key battle throughout the game today."
Lescott then added that he believed Jesus was only picked tonight due to his performance against Watford. "I think his performance at the weekend had to influence his decision this evening," he explained.
"His confidence has got to be sky high, he is playing with one of the best teams in the competition."
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