5 Reasons why Manchester City will win the UEFA Champions League

Can Manchester City win the elusive European trophy they have been craving for?
Can Manchester City win the elusive European trophy they have been craving for?

#3 An abundance of goal-scorers

Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling have been in good form since the restart of the Premier League
Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling have been in good form since the restart of the Premier League

Raheem Sterling didn't have a goal in the calendar year of 2020 until COVID-19 put a temporary end to football in March. However, he has been back among the goals, and in phenomenal form since the restart, taking him to 20 goals in the Premier League season.

In the absence of Sergio Aguero, it is going to be important for Guardiola and City that the Argentine's absence isn't felt, and on the evidence of the recent past, it doesn't look like it will be.

Riyad Mahrez has popped up with timely contributions, Gabriel Jesus is enjoying a prolonged stay in the first team, and City's midfield is packed with quality and players that bring a goal-scoring threat.

Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Phil Foden have all had their share of minutes since the restart, and each of them has had a phenomenal impact on the way City have played.

Of course, over and above these players, City have the magnificent De Bruyne as well, just fresh off a record-breaking Premier League campaign. The Belgian matched Thierry Henry's record for most assists in a single Premier League season.


#4 The return of Aymeric Laporte

Laporte's return from injury is a huge boost for Man City
Laporte's return from injury is a huge boost for Man City

It is no secret that the 18-point gap to Liverpool in the Premier League was largely down to City not being able to keep clean sheets and preventing silly goals being conceded. Fernandinho has filled in admirably at centre-back, but NIcolas Otamendi and John Stones have both had seasons to forget.

In that sense, it is a phenomenal boost for City to have Laporte back in the side, as the leader of the defence. Personnel wise, City aren't short at the back, but form wise, there are still concerns over Benjamin Mendy and even Ederson's tendency to make the odd error.

Both Laporte and Eric Garcia formed a formidable partnership at the back for City since the Premier League restart. Even so, they were picked apart by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the FA Cup semifinal that City lost 2-0 to Arsenal.

However, Guardiola will be pleased that he can go into big European clashes without having to name Stones or Otamendi in his starting XI. Now, that is not even a question of the ability that the duo possess, but more on the lines of their confidence being woefully short after a rough season.


#5 The desperation to conquer the final frontier

Guardiola hasn't won the Champions League since 2011
Guardiola hasn't won the Champions League since 2011

City under Guardiola have been a machine - a machine that wins domestic trophies at their own whim. However, it is no secret that Guardiola was brought to the Etihad Stadium to deliver them the holy grail - the Champions League.

For both Guardiola and City, it has become a sort of obsession. The Spaniard hasn't won this tournament since 2011, and inexplicably has some doubters asking if he can ever win it without Lionel Messi.

City, on the other hand, want this trophy to complete a clean sweep of every big trophy that was available to win, since the big Abu Dhabi takeover of the club, more than a decade ago.

It is an obsession that, by all accounts, runs through the club, and the mentality that it brings could haul City over the line. What might also work in City's favour is that their obsession, coupled with the absence of the fans' natural anxiety, could be a dangerous combination for all their opponents.

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