The Champions League resumes with its knockout rounds, as quarter-finals are set to commence. Manchester City host Atletico Madrid in the first leg of one of the quarter-finals as we bring you the match preview. City are flying in the league, as they sit atop with 73 points. Reigning Spanish champions Atletico on the other hand sit third in La Liga looking to finish in the top four.
Manchester City as usual have been in scintillating form in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s men are once again the favorites this season to win their first-ever UCL trophy. However, the English Champions lost two games in the group stage and have kept only 2 clean sheets in 8 games. But City, who were runners-up last year look to progress through to the semi-finals for only the second time under Guardiola.
Manchester City Champions League form: W W L W D
Atletico Madrid, the finalists of 2014 and 2016 are the underdogs going against Manchester City. But they cannot be written off as they knocked City’s local rivals Manchester United out in the previous round. Diego Simeone is the man who knows how to pocket the crucial games. The Atletico manager knocked out Liverpool at Anfield in the 2019/20 season, and Man United at Old Trafford this season. Moreover, they are the only club this season who despite losing 3 group games have qualified for the knock-out stage.
Atletico Madrid Champions League form: L L W D W
Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid: Team News
City’s team news
Manchester City have only two confirmed absentees. Ruben Dias is out due to a hamstring injury but is expected to return soon. Cole Palmer also misses the game due to a foot injury.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker who was out with suspension returns for this tie. The right-back would start at his position, shifting Joao Cancelo to left. Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez who were rested at the weekend should also return in the starting eleven.
Manchester City possible starting line-up
Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva; Mahrez, Foden, Grealish
The Colchoneros’ team news
Jose Gimenez limped off at the weekend against Alaves in the La Liga. As a result, Atletico Madrid have confirmed that the center-back won’t travel for the Manchester City game. Hector Herrera is sidelined as well due to a thigh injury.
Mario Hermoso looked as a doubt as well, but he was on the bench at the weekend and should make the cut for the City game. Yannick Carrasco‘s ban is over and could be slotted right back into the playing eleven. However, Simeone will have to pick between Suarez and Griezzman to partner with Joao Felix upfront. Though Suarez bagged a brace at the weekend, Griezzman may start given his pace and agility.
Atletico Madrid’s possible starting line-up
Oblak; Vrsaljko, Savic, Felipe, Reinildo; Llorente, Kondogbia, Koke, Carrasco; Griezzman, Joao Felix
Our Prediction
Manchester City 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Though it looks Atletico Madrid won’t give up easily, Manchester City have enough firepower to down the Colchoneros. Moreover, Atletico’s attack has been a bit sluggish despite positive results in the last few games. Physical dominance will be at its highest since Atletico are well-known for it as well. But expect Manchester City to come out as the winners here.
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