English derby to set Champions League alight

The English derby between Liverpool and Manchester City promises to set the UEFA Champions League alight, with the teams set to meet in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie at Anfield on Wednesday, 4 April 2018, kick-off at 20h45 CAT.

Liverpool enjoyed a comfortable progression through the last 16 stage, as they hammered Portuguese giants Porto 5-0 away before settling for a goalless draw at home in the return game. The five goals were shared between the Reds’ fearsome front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, with the latter netting a hat-trick.

Yet it is Salah who will be one of the most talked-about players heading into this clash, with the Egyptian looking to continue the sublime form which has brought him 36 goals across all competitions and sparked speculation that he could break Ian Rush’s club record of 47 in a single campaign.

City were also easy qualifiers from the previous round, as they picked up a 4-0 away win over FC Basel in the first leg, though they were surprisingly beaten 2-1 at home in the return game – Pep Guardiola’s side have actually lost two of their last three Champions League matches when you include their final group stage defeat away to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Nonetheless, the Citizens’ dominance of the Premier League gives them the luxury of being able to rest players domestically and put all of their focus on trying to win a first European crown. If the team in light blue can come away from Anfield with at least a draw, they will feel a place in the semifinals is all but secure.

In head-to-head stats, Liverpool and City have met in 159 matches across all competitions (though this will be their first meeting in European club football). The Reds have claimed 75 wins compared to 42 for the Citizens, while 42 games have been drawn.

The teams have met twice already in the Premier league this season, with their matches producing 12 goals. City handed the Reds a 5-0 thumping back in September last year, while their clash at Anfield in January saw Liverpool claim a 4-3 home win and become the first team to defeat Pep Guardiola’s men in domestic football in the 2017/18 campaign.

Betway Best Bets

*Stats and odds correct at time of publishing

Recent Champions League form, latest results first

Liverpool | D | W | W | D | W
City | L | W | L | W | W

Head-to-head, all competitions

Matches played 159

Liverpool wins 75

City wins 42

Draws 42

Liverpool goals 277

City goals 220