Liverpool v Manchester City: team news, prediction
The Champions League quarter-finals are upon us. Pick of the ties is the all-England contest between Liverpool and Manchester City
A prospectively scintillating matchup in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Premier League leaders Manchester City, face the devastating attack of Liverpool in the Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently third in the league. While Pep Guardiola’s team can win the title when they meet rivals Manchester United on April 7.
Meanwhile, there is the small matter of the Champions League first-leg. The Reds go into the game following defeat of Porto 5-0 on aggregate. City beat Basel, 5-2 overall.
Both clubs have an exceptional squad of players, some of whom are in dazzling form. Mohamed Salah now leads the race for the golden-boot or leading goalscorer in the league. Remarkable considering he is not even a main-striker.
At the Etihad Stadium, Kevin De Bruyne is leading the way in assists. To make matters more interesting for these two, they are intertwined in acclaim. Most football writers, fans and professionals’ PFA player of the season elect is Salah or De Bruyne.
This campaign, the Merseysiders are the only team to win against the Citizens in the Premier League. That match was in January. However, City thrashed Liverpool 5-0 in the previous encounter during September’s league clash.
Team news and prediction
Joel Matip is out for the season on Anfield. Fellow defenders Joe Gomez along with Ragnar Klavan are ruled out. Emre Can will be assessed ahead of the matchup. Adam Lallana is not anticipated to be in action.
According to the Evening Standard, “John Stones and Sergio Aguero” could feature on Tuesday. Benjamin Mendy is still on-the-mend. Fabian Delph is fit again.
Bookies have City as odds on: even for the away tie. Contrarily, I am not so sure. City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan echoes my insight when it comes to the first-leg tie. He was asked about his former manager, Klopp, and his opponents:
"“their attack is incredibly strong.” (Via: Liverpool Echo)"
If Liverpool utilise Salah effectively, they can achieve a two goal margin lead. I conclude that City will win at the Etihad in the second-leg. Yet Liverpool will have a margin too large for Guardiola to overturn.
Consequently I have to choose Liverpool to triumph in this delectable tie. Which team do you have to qualify?
Catch the game on Wednesday April 4 at 19:45 British time.