Pep Guardiola may be just a win away from lifting his maiden Premier League title but Manchester City’s progress in the Champions League will be crucial for the manager and they were drawn against Liverpool in the quarter-final, the first leg of which will be played this Wednesday. Fresh from a 3-0 victory over Everton, City are favourites not just in this game but also to go all the way in the competition but their last trip to Anfield in the domestic league ended in a loss and the manager will be desperate to put things right in this game.
Liverpool are fresh from a victory over Crystal Palace and remain the only team to beat City in the Premier League. They did that at Anfield and will hope for a replay when they take on Pep’s men for the third time this season. Both teams have some influential stars to watch out for and with 12 goals scored in the last two games between the sides, this game promises to be a high scoring encounter. Here is the predicted lineup Pep might field, in search of an early advantage in the two-legged QF against Liverpool:
Team News:
Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph are still nursing long-term injuries and are expected to miss this game as well. John Stones missed the game against Everton and might not make it to this trip to Anfield while Aymeric Laporte will have to undergo a late fitness test. Star striker Sergio Aguero is back in training and might make it to the bench on Wednesday.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Ederson has been exceptional at the back for City and will not be easy to beat for Liverpool. He will be shielded by a CB partnership of Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi, both of who are best options in this role for Pep Guardiola.
With Mendy and Delph out injured, Danilo is expected to keep his place at left-back while Kyle Walker will look to continue his impressive run at right-back.
Midfield:
Fernandinho has been a key cog in the plan for Pep and should retain his place in the no.6 role. He has been ably supported by the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva, both of who will be the danger men for Liverpool.
Attack:
With Aguero, not fully fit, Gabriel Jesus, who had a productive outing against Everton, is expected to lead the attack while Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling will monitor the flanks. Both players have decent pace and will test Liverpool’s inexperienced full-backs.
Here is how they might line up:
