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Usually, when a team is down 3-0 in the first leg, the tie is all but over. However, tonight's clash at the Etihad will be anything but straightforward for Liverpool. The tie is far from decided and Jurgen Klopp and his men will be aware of that fact.
Liverpool are in the driving seat, make no mistake. But, if there is any team which can score 3,4 or even 5 goals in a single game, it is Manchester City.
Smarting from back-to-back losses against Liverpool and Manchester United, Pep Guardiola will be determined to get a positive result and here are 3 reasons why the City fans can be optimistic about a good performance at the Etihad tonight.
The return of Sergio Aguero
The importance of Sergio Aguero to Manchester City cannot be underestimated. While Gabriel Jesus is an excellent player in his own right, he was successfully kept at bay by the excellent Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren during the first leg.
Also, Sergio Aguero has an excellent record against Liverpool at The Etihad. In fact, in 6 appearances in the Premier League so far, the Argentine has managed to score on all 6 occasions against the Reds and City fans can be hopeful of more of the same.
The Argentine superstar has a penchant for scoring goals in the most crucial of moments and should he grab an early goal, the Liverpool defence can be put under pressure. Another important factor is Aguero's physicality. The 29-year-old is extremely tough to shake off from the ball and his strength coupled with his dribbling, technical ability, and finishing skills will certainly add another dimension to the excellent City attack.
Quite simply put, Aguero is one of the most complete strikers in world football at the moment.
The absence of Jordan Henderson and Emre Can
The 'number 6' role is absolutely vital in Jurgen Klopp's system. Pressing in midfield, intercepting passes and starting off attacks, the 'number 6' usually sets the tone for The Reds. In Liverpool's thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester City, Emre Can played that role to perfection while last week, Jordan Henderson was absolutely brilliant at Anfield.
With Henderson suspended for the game tonight and Emre Can out with a back injury, Gini Wijnaldum is expected to play in the 'number 6' role this time around. The Netherlands international did play well against Everton in that role, but playing against the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva without any great experience in that position is asking for trouble.
Primarily an offensive-minded player, Wijnaldum will have to keep his instincts in check and be absolutely assured on the ball as City will be ready to pounce on any mistakes he makes. Also, the midfield trio of Wijnaldum, Milner and Oxlade-Chamberlain have not played much together and City definitely have the resources to take complete advantage of this situation.
Henderson might be slated by critics, but he has been absolutely vital to Liverpool this season.
Mohamed Salah's fitness issues
Liverpool have been brilliant this season and the player who has captured all hearts and performed beyond all expectations for them has been Mohamed Salah. While Liverpool almost had a perfect night at Anfield last week, one thing which caused endless worry to the fans and manager was the sight of Salah limping off in the second half.
Ever since then, the Egyptian forward has been in a race against time to be fit for tonight's match. Although Salah might well be starting for The Reds, he will not be 100% fit and that might be a huge relief for Manchester City's backline.
While Liverpool looked absolutely unstoppable in the first half they were on the backfoot for most of the second half at Anfield after Salah's substitution. With Andrew Robertson also recovering from a minor calf injury, City will be looking to make the most of Liverpool's injury issues.
There is a marked difference in how Liverpool plays with and without Salah.
