Man City v Liverpool: Champions League match preview

The day is finally upon us. Liverpool’s final clash with Manchester City in the Champions League has arrived. The Reds will face the Premier League table-toppers at the Etihad Stadium to see out the quarter final second leg.

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the last week, you’ll know that Liverpool stormed to a win at Anfield after netting three. Man City failed to secure that crucial Champions League away goal, meaning if the Reds score again tonight, it’s practically all over.

The first leg of the quarter final fixture had Kopites in ecstasy. Their ‘coach welcome’ (despite the few idiots who threw the bottles) has left everyone in awe. Even the players have been blown away by the atmosphere of the fans.

Liverpool’s current squad is the most confident and impressive side the club has had in a long time. Fans are confident the lads have what it takes to go the whole way and bring home Big Ears #6.

Against the odds

After dominating the Premier League, Manchester City were favourites above Liverpool to progress into the semi final. But now the Reds are dead certs to qualify after tonight.

Since the group stages, Liverpool have gone above and beyond expectations. The team have scored the most goals of any English side in Champions League football. James Milner has achieved the most assists of any player. His tally has even exceeded Paul Scholes’ record.

Until the Manchester derby on Saturday, Liverpool were the only team to score three goals past Man City. The Red Devils came back from a 2-0 deficit by beating their rivals 3-2. Clearly inspired by Liverpool’s double goal scoring frenzy. Could tonight be their third game to score another three?

Preparing for the next

After Mohamed Salah was ruled out of the derby day clash against Everton, panic set in. But fortunately the Egyptian has been training hard in the most recent Melwood session. His groin injury that was picked up in the Man City first leg has clearly not hindered him for long.

The front three look like they will be starting together as always. Reports claim Georginio Wijnaldum will replace Jordan Henderson’s role in midfield. The skipper was issued a one match ban after his booking in the previous game. A little unnerving, but Milner has full capability to step up as captain.

After Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored back-to-back Gerrardesque rocket strikes against Man City, the rapidly improving midfield man will be hunting for another.

An interview with Virgil van Dijk had the Dutchman sharing his positive outlook on the upcoming game. VVD reflects on the team’s performance as a unit and how they will be prepared for anything at the Etihad tonight. Proper fighting talk from the big man.

Next: All of Rafa Benitez' Liverpool signings ranked!

The whole atmosphere around LFC Twitter right now is in a huge cement mixer. Emotions are flying about and changing every hour. Nerves, excitement, hope… it’s all being flung about. But after their first match performance, Liverpool are going to come out in a frenzy. One goal tonight is all it takes. Come on the Reds!