Manchester City vs Liverpool – Match Preview
It is fair to say that if the eyes that were watching Liverpool take on Manchester City last week were surprised at the final outcome, then Pep Guardiola’s and his players must have been shell shocked after suffering a 3-0 defeat at Anfield.
A loss that has left City's hopes of European dominance hanging by a thread as they must overturn a sizeable advantage at the Etihad this Tuesday night. Not only that though but they do so having had their Premier League title party ruined last weekend.
If one three goal blitz was bad enough for them to take, they were hit by another last Saturday. One that saw them miss out on becoming champions in front of their own fans, that in itself would have been a bitter enough pill to swallow.
But the fact that it was Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side that were the team to stop them from the celebrations would have only made matters even worse. After cruising in the first half, it looked as if the party was about to start thanks to their 2-0 half time lead.
However, the second half saw them concede three quickfire goals as United overturned their two- goal deficit in sensational fashion. A fantastic win for the Red Devils but certainly a week to forget for City.
If they’ve had two poor results in succession, then Liverpool could not quite follow up the level of their incredible performance in the 1st leg, when they faced Everton in the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. That said it was a much-changed outfit that Jurgen Klopp named on Saturday.
Egyptian international Mohamed Salah was rested after coming off injured in last week’s 1st leg, while Roberto Firmino was dropped to the bench for the short trip across the city to face Sam Allardyce’s Everton.
Without those two players, Liverpool lost a lot of their attacking threat and were arguably out played by the home side. So much so that they had Loris Karius to thank for a couple of important saves to make sure that they earned at least a point for their efforts.
There are no points on offer in this upcoming tie, but there is the reward of a place in the Champions League Semi’s finals. The question is whether Liverpool can build on their excellent first leg performance or whether Manchester City will complete a stunning comeback.
Like any tie where there is a three-goal deficit from the first leg, the opening goal is going to define the shape of the 2nd leg. If Liverpool can get their noses in front then they will have all but secured their place in the Semi’s, especially as City would then need to score five unanswered goals.
But if the hosts can open the scoring then with the attacking talent they have at their disposal then it could well make a very nervy evening for the visitors. However, you do get the feeling that the task in front of the Premier League leaders may well be one that is just too big.
Liverpool may have their defensive deficiencies, but it could be a case that attack is the best form of defence as they look to take the game to City once more. With that in mind though I think they won’t be on the winning side come Tuesday.
Manchester City will have to offer something of a heroic performance if they are to progress, so they could win the 2nd leg./p>
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
