Returning to his former stomping ground without a shred of sentiment, Pep Guardiola leads his Man City team out for the 2nd leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.
To Win Match
Bayern Munich 13/8 | Draw 14/5 | Manchester City 7/5
Bayern Munich
I am expecting a grudge match and a proper dog fight in the second half. There are simply too many mini battle’s all over the pitch. Firstly, Bavarian boss Thomas Tuchel will be looking to send Pep Guardiola packing from a knockout competition for the third time (following his victories in the UCL and the FA Cup).
Indeed, Guardiola inflicted a English topflight double over Tuchel’s Chelsea side, however, I’m certain the CHampions League wound still burns.
Secondly, there is the fiery winger Leroy Sane who was ousted from Manchester and landed in Munich with open arms. The ex-City wideman attempted all 4 of Bayern Munich’s efforts on target in the first leg, upon his return to the Etihad. I anticipate Sane will lead the charge once again.
There is also Portuguese wingback Joao Cancelo who was in frightening form during the first half of the season for City, before a surprise loan move to Bayern in the summer. Cancelo is not cup tied, as seen by his cameo appearance last week.
Predicted Line-up: Sommer; Pavard, Upamecano, De Ligt, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sane, Musiala, Coman; Choupo-Moting
Manchester City
Could the treble be on? Pep Guardiola’s critics have quietened down of late, with the club churning out consistent trophies shortly after his stint in Manchester began.
That all elusive Champions League one still lingers in the frey – as Bayern Munich stand between them and the semi-final spot where Real Madrid await.
Guardiola’s team take to the Allianz on a 10-game winning streak, across all competitions. Indeed, the Citizens have netted 37 goals and conceded just 4 during that spell. Spear heading that attack is Erling Haaland.
The dangerman has hit even higher levels this season and is showing no signs of slowing down. I’m certain his absence in Qatar has given him extra motivation to prove a point.
The defensive solidity that this Manchester City outfit is incredible. In the UCL this season, they have conceded just three goals across their nine tournament appearances – the fewest from all clubs in the competition. With that sort of record, I can’t see them faltering in this European quest.
Predicted Line-up: Ederson; Akanji, Dias, Ake; Stones, Rodri; Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland.
Verdict: Bayern Munich – 7/5
With such a dominant performance by Manchester City in the first leg, I know you must be thinking I’m crazy. I feel the victor will be Bayern Munich on the night but Manchester City will get through the tie.
With some of Europe’s best attackers on display, I’m sure neither side keep a clean sheet. With that being said, the game will be won on how well the Citizens keep the ball and they are mind bogglingly good at that.
