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In the UEFA Champions League, the remaining two English teams will face each other in the quarter-finals clash. Liverpool host Premier League leaders, Manchester City, at Anfield for the first leg on Wednesday.
Going into the competition, Manchester City had the easier fixture as they faced FC Basel in the round of 16 stage. Despite beating the Swiss league team at St Jakob's Park, Pep Guardiola's team were stunned at home. Meanwhile, Liverpool brushed FC Porto aside after a 5-0 victory in the first leg followed by a draw.
The Reds will be without experienced midfielder, Adam Lallana, who suffered an injury during their league match against Crystal Palace. For the Manchester team, their manager suggested that Sergio Aguero will likely start on the bench after a knee injury against Stoke City in March. Here is how the Reds could start against the Citizens.
Goalkeeper: Loris Karius
The German goalkeeper has started in all eight Champions League games for Liverpool this season, keeping 5 clean sheets while conceding a total of 6 goals.
Ahead of the clash, it seems like Jurgen Klopp has started to favour Karius playing as the first choice 'keeper rather than Simon Mignolet. The former has started to string a series of good performances for Liverpool and is likely to keep his position.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent put up a disappointing showing against Crystal Palace as his inexperience often left him exposed. With the preferred right-back, Joe Gomez, injured during England friendlies, Trent has been ordered to step in. Nathaniel Clyne who has been out for almost the whole season has recently made a return, however, he may not be fit enough to start against Manchester City.
Centre-back: Joel Matip
The Liverpool centre-back missed the last two Champions League games after suffering two separate injuries. Having returned to the starting line-up against Crystal Palace, Matip is certain to partner Virgil van Dijk against their Premier League rivals, Manchester City.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk
The Dutch defender started one Champions League match and was on the bench for the other. Against Manchester City, Liverpool are in need of a responsible defender who can manage the backline. The January record signing played no part in the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City due to a thigh injury, however, for this upcoming match, Van Dijk is expected to play the full match.
Left-back: Andrew Robertson
Robertson impressed the fans and his team-mates during the game against Crystal Palace. His creativity and collaboration with Salah proved to be effective. Klopp could place his trust in the Scottish to do his job in Champions League.
Central-Midfielder: Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool captain is expected to play in Champions League this week. He had a quiet game against the London team over the weekend. Despite that, his presence in the team brings about a large deal of confidence. Both teams are expected to battle it out for possession and Henderson has to lead his team to continue believing in their game plan.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Emre Can
Can has played as a central midfielder and defensive midfielder in his seven Champions League matches. Thus far, the German has missed only one match due to a yellow card suspension. Although he did not play against Crystal Palace over the weekend, Klopp expects the midfielder to be fit to start against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Georgino Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum hardly had an influence in the battle against Crystal Palace, leaving many Liverpool fans angered. However, throughout the season, Wijnaldum has constantly provided eagerness to get forward and deserves the chance to play in Champions League. Klopp will probably be starting him once again against Manchester City, unless he fails to impress during training.
Forward: Sadio Mane
Mane was booked for diving during the weekend match. Putting that aside, it was an energetic and positive display from the former Southampton player. Mane has scored six goals in six appearances in European action. Liverpool will have to make use of Mane's creativity and hard work to get a result in their Champions League clash.
Forward: Mohamed Salah
Liverpool have Salah to thank for their incredible season. In 42 appearances this season, Salah has scored 37 goals and provided 12 assists as of 2nd April 2018. In the following few matches, Salah is expected to break even more scoring records. Most of the goals from Liverpool have been scored by this man who is certainly set to start against Manchester City.
Forward: Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian has worked extremely well with Mane and Salah this season. The incredible trio will provide the attacking threat against their Champions League rivals. With a superb vision and great technical skills, Firmino has become integral in the Liverpool team. He will be heavily marked by defenders who want to stop Liverpool's attacks.
Substitutes:
Simon Mignolet, James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Ings, Dejan Lovren.
