Football News: Liverpool FC vs Manchester City: Champions League Preview

Image from: knittingparadise.com

In what I feel is Liverpool's biggest game for a decade, they also face potentially the greatest Challenge for a decade. You could easily say the same for Manchester City though, who want this trophy more than any other.

Win big tonight, and the reds can set themselves up for victory in the tie. Progression in this season's Champions League, past many people's favourites Manchester City, will send shockwaves across Europe. City can also show they are serious though, and that they are favourites for the tie for a reason.

This will not be easy for either team, but the top tier of European football is Liverpool's competition from an English perspective. No other team from these shores as had more European success. In fact, no other team even comes close.

Whilst history rarely plays a part in football, the Champions League sometimes makes you wonder if it can affect players. If City don't let it affect them, they should progress. That is easier said than done though.

Injury Lists

Manchester City:
Benjamin Mendy (out)
Sergio Aguero (out)

Liverpool FC:
Adam Lallana (out)
Joel Matip (out)
Emre Can (out)
Joe Gomez (out)
Emre Can (doubt)

Noticeably, Liverpool have more injury concerns. Particularly at the back, it is looking very short. However, City arguably have the biggest loss in Aguero. It is debatable whether any of Liverpool's injured players would even get in the starting XI. Aguero has scored 30 goals this season though and will be missed.

Key Battles

From a Liverpool perspective, the hardest battle will be down the left. With major issues at right back, and Leroy Sane being City's best forward on current form, how well either Nathaniel Clyne or Trent Alexander-Arnold cope with him could be crucial. The other major factor will be closing down Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva. If they have time and space, they will cut Liverpool to pieces.

However, from a City perspective the key will be across their whole defence. Roberto Firmino has bullied them in recent affairs, Sadio Mane has Kyle Walker beaten every time they face off, and Mo Salah has 37 goals which says it all. Pep Guardiola has to find a way to stifle them. On previous history and recent events, his best bet is probably to wind up Mane and try and get him sent off.

Prediction

For tonight's game, as a one off occasion, I believe Liverpool will win. Without Aguero, City will lack that ruthlessness in front of goal that he has provided. Liverpool have the beating of City at Anfield lately, but it is crucial for them that they keep the away goals down to a minimum because City at the Etihad will be a brutal game if they go into it only narrowly ahead.

European football can sometimes be a bit more 'sketchy' and subdued. Anfield under the lights is also very intimidating. Therefore I am predicting a shock clean sheet for Liverpool in a 2-0 victory. I expect Salah will be the difference whilst City bemoan the loss of Aguero to injury.

Written by Adam Jones April 04 2018 15:44:39