3 reasons why Manchester City will beat Liverpool

Manchester City v Newcastle United - Premier League
Pep Guardiola - Man City supremo

Manchester City plays Liverpool at the Etihad in a crucial Champions League match. After having a record-breaking season, Manchester City stumbled not once, but twice in the last week.

With them trailing Klopp's team by 3 goals, they need to play at their best to beat Liverpool and reach the semifinals of the Champions League.

Here are the three reasons why Manchester City will thrash Liverpool.


#3 Playing at home

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City's fortress - the Etihad stadium

Manchester City has turned the Etihad stadium into a fortress under the reign of Pep Guardiola.

Their success this season has been largely due to their superlative performances at home. Last month Manchester City's incredible unbeaten run at the Etihad Stadium came to an end when they lost to Basel.

The Citizens lost to Manchester United and it ended their 16-month unbeaten record at home in the Premier League.

With such records in place and Manchester City being bruised by recent losses, expect them to fight back at the Etihad.

#2 Return of Sergio Aguero

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Will Aguero inspire them to a victory?

Sergio Aguero was out for a month due to a thigh injury and missed the first leg against Liverpool. He came in as a substitute against United and City will be delighted with the way he played against the Red Devils.

He looked sharp and almost scored with a header against United. He will be expected to start and carry his form against Klopp’s team in the quarterfinals.

In an interview after City's win over Chelsea, Pep had the following words to say about Aguero:

"Since we were together here with Sergio, in the last month and a half, two months, it is the best Sergio I have seen,” “He doesn’t lose one ball."

Kun Aguero has had a terrific season scoring 30 goals in all competitions. The Blues will need Aguero to be close to his best for the team to overturn their 3-0 deficit.

Aguero recently scored his 100th goal at the Etihad Stadium and will be dangerous in the box.

At Anfield, Manchester City was not able to penetrate the defenses of Klopp's team, which resulted in them not scoring a crucial away goal.

The trio of Sane, Jesus, and Sterling have played well but with Aguero coming back, one of them would be rested.

All stats via transfermarkt

#1 Pep Guardiola's strategies

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Pep's big match of the season

Pep Guardiola is currently one of the best football managers in the world. He won a record 14 trophies during his tenure at Barcelona.

The Catalan is known to create records and has won trophies everywhere. This season under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, City spent heavily and beefed up their defense. It has helped them win the League Cup.

During mid-season, Manchester City was so ruthless that many believed the team would equal Arsenal's record of not losing a single Premier League match. Pep's team attacked ruthlessly and with flair, often decimating opposition teams.

During the pre-match conference, he spoke of how his team needs to play perfect football to win against The Reds. He can take a cue from Barcelona who defeated PSG 6-1 in a return leg to progress to the next round.

If Manchester City has to win against Liverpool, the Catalan will have to make some bold changes and spring a few surprises during the clash.

With Aguero back, Manchester City needs to get off to a sensational start and attack relentlessly throughout the game.

The coach has shown us that during many matches this season and it wouldn't be too much to expect one more time against one of the best sides in England.

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