Liverpool and Manchester City will square off in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal tomorrow. Though Liverpool have a three-goal lead, Manchester City will know that an early goal can make things pretty interesting for them and nervy for Liverpool.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will have looked at City’s fixture against United where they once against conceded three goals in one half to lose a game they should have won. Pep Guardiola’s side were cruising at halftime as the celebrations of the league title had already begun. However, two quick goals by Paul Pogba and a Chris Smalling header meant they were chasing the game in the last 20 minutes.
Liverpool are at their best when they press the opposition. However, they showed in the previous leg that the team isn’t all about the gegenpress. In the second half, Liverpool allowed City to dominate the ball as they kept a narrow shape and defended well without allowing the away side a single shot on target.
Stopping this City team alone is something, but not allowing them a shot on target is an achievement to be proud of. However, the job is only half done and Man City will want to prove a point after two games that have seen their world turn upside down.
Manchester City vs Liverpool: Team News
Liverpool have quite a few injury concerns, unlike Manchester City. The Reds could be without their key player Mohamed Salah though the Egyptian has trained with the squad. If he fails to make it back in time, we could see Danny Ings starting up top as Klopp will look to alter Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino’s positions. A lot hinges on Salah starting.
At the back, Andy Robertson is an injury doubt and it remains to be seen if he’ll make it back in time. Alberto Moreno didn’t play against Everton either as Klopp went with Ragnar Klavan, that’s something he’d like to avoid against Manchester City.
For the hosts, Sergio Aguero is back and is in line to start after missing the previous tie. He came off the bench against Manchester United but couldn’t get the equalising goal as he was denied by David De Gea.
Manchester City vs Liverpool: Probable Lineups
Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Kompany, Delph; Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva; Sterling, Aguero, Sane
Liverpool XI: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Lovren, Robertson; Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wijnaldum; Sane, Firmino, Salah
Odds
Manchester City: 4/9
Draw: 17/4
Liverpool: 11/2