Liverpool entertain Manchester City in an all English affair as the Champions League returns at the quarter final stage, with a place in the last four at stake.
The two sides have met twice this season with City winning the first match 5-0 at the Etihad before Liverpool ended Pep Guardiola’s side unbeaten Premier League record in a thrilling contest which ended 4-3 at Anfield.
Both sides are playing sublime football this season and is set to be a thrilling contest under the lights at Anfield.
There are many great players among the ranks for both sides having the best two attacks in the Premier League with, Liverpool boosting the best attack in this season’s edition of the Champions League.
City could well wrap up the league title at the weekend by beating their fiercest rivals Manchester United at Etihad and this tie is just as important for Pep, but Liverpool will be keen to get back amongst the big boys on a European stage.
We’ve picked out some potential key battles from the tie — areas where a players’ performance could be the differnece between a win and a loss…
Trent Alexander Arnold vs Leroy Sane
The pace of Leroy Sane will cause the hosts a whole number of problems and will be something which they will have worked on prior to this game but due to City’s quality, you have to focus on every aspect. Sane is set to play on the left of a front three alongside Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling. Trent Alexander-Arnold will have to be on top form to be able to keep out the City youngster.
Jordan Henderson vs Fernandinho
Henderson has recently returned from injury and looked impressive but, will need to up his game to a new level if he is able to cope with City’s Brazilian midfielder in this one. Fernandinho has gone under the radar at times this season but he has been one of the most important players in City’s incredible season as he allows the likes of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne to do what they do. This battle will go a long way to deciding which way this tie goes on the night.
Roberto Firmino vs Nicolas Otamendi
The pair have both had fine seasons for their respective clubs and this battle will go a long way to deciding who has the advantage heading into the second leg in Manchester. Both players have improved drastically this season under their respective managers and are key memebers of their respective sides. The winner of this battle will go a long way in proving the worth to their team. Liverpool like to press heavily, meaning that the Argentian will have to be at his best in possession or Firmino will take the ball off him.
Kevin De Bruyne vs Mohamed Salah
This is the most important battle of all and it sees the leagues two best players come face to face. Salah has been in simply sensational goalscoring form all season whilst De Bruyne has collected a huge number of goals and assists on his own to help his side stroll towards the league title. With it being at Anfield, you’d expect Salah to edge this one with De Bruyne’s form being much stronger at home, although you’d think both players would be well up for this one. It makes for an exciting contest if both of these players can play up to their usual standards.
With both sides looking for a win to take into the second leg, this game is sure to be a cracker!
