Just days after the embarrassing loss to Liverpool at Anfield, Manchester City suffered another shocking defeat in the Manchester derby at the weekend. But they have no time to dwell on their unexpected failures. They welcome Liverpool to Etihad tomorrow for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League, where they will now have to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg.
The Reds played out a boring 0-0 draw in their local derby at the weekend and will be pumped up for this tie. City, playing in just their second quarter-final of the competition, should come out all guns blazing as they have nothing to lose. They have not lost three back to back games under Pep Guardiola till date and will want to keep that record intact. The fans will also be buzzing after the reception they got at Anfield and here is the predicted lineup City might field for this tie:
Team News:
City have no new injury issues ahead of this game against Liverpool. Benjamin Mendy remains the only absentee for Tuesday. Sergio Aguero made a comeback as a sub against United and could start against the Reds. John Stones was absent from training today and might also miss this tie.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Ederson has now conceded six goals in the last two games and will look to make things right in this tie. But he will be tested by a Liverpool attack that is bang in form. Kyle Walker should be back in action at right-back while Danilo might start in the left-back role this weekend, keeping Aymeric Laporte out of the first team.
With Stones absent and Laporte not at his confident best, skipper Vincent Kompany might have to play his third game in less than seven days.
Midfield:
City have very few options for their no.6 role and should stick with Fernandinho for yet another game. Kevin de Bruyne did not have the greatest of outings at Anfield or off the bench against United. But he will need to have a stellar game if his side are to qualify for the semi-finals.
David Silva, who started the Manchester derby, will have to put in yet another solid shift in the middle of the park for City in this game.
Attack:
Leroy Sane had a decent night against United but struggled against Liverpool. He will hope to have a productive game while Raheem Sterling, who missed sitter after sitter in that derby, might retain his place on the right flank.
Gabriel Jesus had a torrid time at Anfield and could be replaced by Sergio Aguero for this 2nd leg.
Here is how they might line up:
