Stones and Mahrez start in Man City predicted XI to face Atletico Madrid

Manchester City face Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night, looking to take a strong lead to the Wanda Metropolitano.

For so long, the quarter-finals was Pep Guardiola's kryptonite at the Etihad Stadium - with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Lyon all knocking the Blues out at that stage. However, a nervy but decisive victory over Borussia Dortmund this time last season gave them belief that they have overcome that specific psychological hurdle.

The draw has pitted City against the Spanish champions, who themselves are on a six-match winning streak and full of confidence after knocking out Manchester United in the last-16.

ALSO READ: Guardiola explains his Man City overthinking in Champions League games

City are still without Ruben Dias, who picked up a hamstring injury against Peterborough United in the FA Cup, while Kyle Walker is set to serve the last of his three-game ban following a red card against RB Leipzig in the group stage.

It'll be the Champions League ever-present Ederson between the sticks, with Joao Cancelo likely to be switched to the right-back spot in the England international's absence. The 27-year-old has excelled in the left-back role in the last 12 months, but can be equally as dangerous whipping crosses in from the right, on his stronger foot.

That means Oleksandr Zinchenko will come into the left-back spot, with John Stones returning from his injury scare on national team duty to partner Aymeric Laporte at the heart of defence.

Moving further forward, Guardiola was on-form when asked about his Champions League 'overthinking' regarding his team selection, but they will surely field a defensive midfielder tomorrow - with Rodri