Manchester City will seek to overturn a three-goal deficit when they entertain Liverpool in the second-leg of the Champions League quarter-final. The Citizens are presently on a two-match losing streak following the derby defeat to Manchester United, and Pep Guardiola will be expectant of a stronger performance from his side on Tuesday night.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Lineup:
Ederson has been the undisputed choice for the role between the sticks, and the Brazilian should reclaim his spot for the midweek European outing. In defence, Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte should reclaim the right and left-back respectively after missing the derby, where Danilo and Fabian Delph took up their positions. Skipper Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi have been the preferred picks at the heart of the defence, and the pair are likely to retain their places.
In the midfield, Fernandinho and Kevin de Bruyne are undisputed starters, and the duo have their task cut out to restrict the threat from the opposition ranks. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been by far the Reds prime performer versus City, and restricting the Englishman’s impact could be key on the night. Further forward, David Silva is likely to occupy the attacking midfield role, and we are fancying Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva to start either side of the Spain international.
Raheem Sterling would probably be preferred pick on the right-wing on any other day, but judging by the attacker’s poor finishing against United, Guardiola may be tempted to restrict him to a bench role. Upfront, Sergio Aguero is a strong candidate to lead the line after making his cameo appearance during the derby. The Argentine could not convert his 200th goal for the club owing to the brilliance of David de Gea, and he will be eager to put on a strong showing to change the complexion of the tie.
Predicted Manchester City lineup: Ederson; Kyle Walker, Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, Aymeric Laporte; Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne; Bernardo Silva, David Silva, Leroy Sane; Sergio Aguero
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