Liverpool vs Manchester City: 5 factors that can decide the tie

In terms of teams to be avoided in the knockouts, Liverpool and Man City were surely up there. When the fixture was announced, there was a sense of excitement among both sets of fans.

The two met in January before, where the Reds ended the Citizens’ unbeaten run in the league. The fixture at Etihad earlier in the season, however, saw City dominate 10-men Liverpool.

Ahead of the all-English clash, here are 5 things to look forward to...

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#5 In-form attacks

Mo Salah

Both Liverpool and Manchester City have been particularly potent in front of the goal. A bucketful of goals is expected from this fixture. No keeper is expected to keep a cleansheet in such an intense fixture.

Kevin de Bruyne, City’s go-to man, has notched 19 assists in all competitions this season, whereas his POTY rival, Mo Salah, has one hand on the Golden boot with 29 goals already this season.

Sergio Aguero, the league’s third highest goal scorer with 21 goals and Firmino, with 14 goals to his name, will lead the attack for their respective teams.

#4 Klopp vs Guardiola

Klopp has often got the better of Guardiola

The world’s most exciting managerial rivalry dates back to the Bundesliga, and has been renewed in the Premier League. In their past 12 meetings, Klopp has come out on top in 6 meetings, drawn 5, whereas Pep has emerged victorious on 5 occasions, including the 2014 DFB Pokal Final.

In what may be music to Liverpool fans is the fact that Guardiola has never won a game at Anfield, which will host the first leg of English Clasico. Beautiful is the word used by the former Bayern manager about the famous Kop, but can City silence the crowd by getting the all-important away goals?

#3 Anfield factor

Anfield is something else during European nights

The first leg of the all-British tie will be held at the sacred Anfield turf on the 10th April. In an attempt to ruin City’s sprits, Liverpool fans plan a very hostile reception for the Blues’ team bus. In the past, Reds fans have used flares and smoke bombs to unsettle their opponents’ nerves, much to the criticism from all quarters.

Another reason for City fans to worry is the stats in favour of the Reds. Manchester City have not won at Anfield in the Premier League for nearly 15 years. City have lost 14 of their 20 meetings at Liverpool during the modern top-flight era, earning their only victory with a 2-1 win in May 2003. Since 2013/14, they have lost every fixture at Anfield.

But Pep’s men do have the consolation of playing the second leg at home, something most teams in the Champions League would want.

#2 Fixture issue for Klopp

There's a derby coming up as well...

This is perhaps the most intriguing predicament for Klopp. Klopp’s side will face City in the first leg on 4th April, followed by the all-important Merseyside derby on 7th April. Three days later, Klopp’s men travel to Manchester for the final leg of the European tie.

The reshuffling of matches has left Klopp fuming, as they face their bitter rivals 63 hours after the Anfield clash. The German believes this will disturb his team’s training and preparation for the clash with Everton.

#1 Pep's Priorities

Pep Guardiola has a fixture dilemma too

Manchester City will travel to Merseyside for the first leg on Wednesday, and three days later, will host foes Manchester United at the Etihad. After a comfortable 3-1 victory over Everton, the Blues will hope to clinch their third League title against their old rivals.

Despite the fixture conundrum, Pep insists they will prioritise the Champions League tie against Liverpool. City are currently 13 points clear off the top and require 3 points to win the title.