"Please don't mess this up", "Getting cooked tonight" - Manchester City fans react as 27-year-old starts against Real Madrid in UCL SF

Manchester City fans are worried about Manuel Akanji starting at left-back against Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal.

The two sides lock horns at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday (May 9) as City look to gain revenge for last season's heartbreak. They were beaten 6-5 on aggregate after a remarkable comeback from Los Blancos in the semifinals.

Akanji wasn't at Manchester City at the time, as he was still at Borussia Dortmund. He joined the Cityzens from BvB last summer for £15 million and has impressed in his debut season at the Etihad.

The Swiss defender has featured 42 times across competitions, providing one assist and helping his side keep 18 clean sheets. He's tasked with dealing with Rodrygo, who has been in electric form for Real Madrid. The Brazilian has bagged 16 goals and 11 assists in 51 games across competitions.

Akanji has played at left-back once this season and will do so again at the Bernabeu. He's in defence alongside Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ruben Dias.

Meanwhile, Ederson is in goal, with Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne in midfield. Erling Haaland leads the line, alongside Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish in attack.

Manchester City fans are feeling the heat ahead of their crunch clash with Madrid. Akanji's selection at left-back has garnered worry among fans with one praying that he doesn't struggle:

"Akanji please don't mess this up."

One Los Blancos fan thinks he will be torn to shreds by Rodrygo:

"Walker and Akanji getting cooked tonight."

Here's how Twitter reacted to Akanji being selected at left-back by Guardiola:

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Rio Ferdinand makes title race prediction between Arsenal and Manchester City

Rio Ferdinand has tipped the Cityzens to retain the title.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand reckons Arsenal will fall short in their quest to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title.

Just a point separates first-placed City and second-placed Gunners heading into the dying embers of the season. Mikel Arteta's men have three games remaining, while Pep Guardiola's league leaders have four.

Ferdinand does think there will be more twists and turns in the title race as he predicts City to prevail, telling his Vibe with FIVE YouTube channel:

"There’s a twist or two still left, I think. But I don’t think there will be enough for Arsenal to go and win it."

The six-time Premier League winner did acknowledge the impressive season the Gunners have had. He alluded to the fact that they have battled brilliantly with a dominant City side throughout the campaign:

"As much as I banter Arsenal, what they have done this season is nothing short of amazing. You have given this juggernaut of a team (Man City) a run for the title for the whole of the season, remarkable stuff."

Manchester City will next be in league action on Sunday (May 14) when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton. Meanwhile, Arsenal host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates on the same day.