Champions League. Last 16, first leg. Real Madrid, away.
It doesn't come much harder than that.
That's the task that faces Manchester City on Wednesday night, set with a backdrop of City being suspended from the next two European campaigns following a verdict from UEFA on Financial Fair Play breaches. The appeal is in process, but as it stands...this is City's last shot at winning the Champions League for a couple of years at least.
They have to get it right, starting in Madrid. Here's who Pep Guardiola should pick to get the job done.
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Ederson (GK) - No real discussion here, City's main man in between the sticks.
Kyle Walker (RB) - Many thought that Joao Cancelo may displace the England international when he signed from Juventus last summer. Instead, Walker has continued to be Guardiola's first choice at right back.
Fernandinho (CB) - The Brazilian has transitioned into a defender this season, and has been pretty impressive too. As well as that, it would be way too risky to play any of the calamitous duo Nicolas Otamendi or John Stones in a game like this.
Aymeric Laporte (CB) - One of the best centre backs around, Laporte has shored up the City defence superbly since his return. Guardiola will be delighted to have him back for this game.
Benjamin Mendy (LB) - Not the best defensively, but there is simply no-one better than Mendy at City. He is a threat going forward though, and could cause problems to Madrid's Dani Carvajal.
Midfielders
Rodri (CDM) - Rodri has been a regular starter all season for City in the holding midfield position, doing a decent job on the whole. He also knows Real Madrid well from his days at Atletico, so that can't hurt.
Bernardo Silva (CM) - He hasn't reached the heights of last season, but there's no doubting the class of Bernardo Silva. His best performances this season have come in the central midfield position, so he should start in midfield this week.
Kevin de Bruyne (CM) - I mean, does this need explaining? De Bruyne is City's best player and probably the key to their chances in this tie.
Forwards
Riyad Mahrez (RW) - Mahrez was brilliant against Leicester on the weekend, and has been one of City's best players this season. Guardiola could easily move Bernardo Silva to the right wing and play Ilkay Gundogan in the middle (it's quite possible he does that, really,), but they've got to get at Real here. Their best chance comes with Mahrez starting.
Sergio Aguero (ST) - He missed another penalty on Saturday, but Sergio Aguero will be desperate to make amends in a competition he is desperate to win. He's getting on a bit now and running out of chances, so no time like the present.
Raheem Sterling (LW) - Sterling has been struggling with injury in the lead up to this game, but chances are he could make it back in time. If he's fit, he should play.
Source : 90min