Despite staring a Champions League quarter-final exit in the face, there is still a chance that Manchester City could find a way to overturn the 3-0 deficit from the first leg a week ago, and head inoto the final four of Europe’s elite competition.
Liverpool proved too hot to handle for the Premier League champions-elect in the bulk of the first half of the game at Anfield and strikes from Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane have given the Merseysiders the distinct advantage ahead of tonight’s second leg.
However, as both sets of managers have been qucik to point out, the tie is far from over and there is still plenty of work to be done for both sides.
City should go into the game believeing that they can still knock the Reds out, and we’ve looked at the reasons why:
Liverpool's defence can implode at any time
Liverpool are known for extended moments of defensive mind-blanks, as displayed in the game against Arsenal earlier this season. Liverpool conceded three times between the 53rd and 58th minute, so anything is possible with this back-line.
Further to that, when Liverpool beat City 4-3 at Anfield in January, the visitors still found a way to breach the defence twice late in the day and had there been a few more minutes on the clock, they would have fancied their chances of getting a fourth.
City's goal-scoring ability
Coty have found the back of the net 90 times in the league to date, that figure is higher than any other team in a major European league. Indeed, no other team in Italy, Spain or Germany can claim to have scored even 80 goals, nevermind 90!
Bearing this in mind and combining it with Liverpool’s poor defensive record, goals can come quickly and often for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Home atmosphere
Much was made of Liverpool’s efforts to create a tempestuous atmosphere in the first leg, but now it’s City’s turn to try and return the favour. The Etihad will need to be near-deafening, in an attempt to intimidate the visitors.
Hunger for retribution
When City were defeated 3-2 at home by Manchester United on Saturday, they not only missed the chance to win the title, but they lost to their most-hated rival in what was meant to be a coronation ceremony.
With the result in the first leg factored in as well, the imperious City are coming off consecutive defeats for the first time this season. They’ll be playing angry tonight and they’ll be keen to put things right.
City have a deeper squad than Liverpool
Straight away, City can boast a deeper squad than Liverpool, and injuries and suspensions are falling in favour of the hosts rather than the Reds.
Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Adam Lallana, Emre Can, and captain Jordan Henderson.
And City? Well, the Sky Blues will be welcoming Sergio Aguero back and have pretty much a full squad to choose from, other than long-term absentee Benjamin Mendy.
Guardiola edges Klopp on European experience
Guardiola has won the Champions League on three occasions as a player and coach, whereas Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has only a Champions League final defeat to his name.
Pep has found a way to be successful on big European nights before, whilst Klopp has a history of losing by European games, especially one-offs like tonight will be.