Manchester City has run roughshod over the Premier League this season. The Citizens have already pretty much clinched a Premier League title and have only one blemish to their name in league play on the year.
That loss was to Liverpool in Anfield, and the place gave Manchester City another nightmare on Wednesday. The Reds picked apart the Citizens in the first half, scoring three goals in a 20-minute stretch and now take a commanding lead into the second leg of the tie in Manchester. Unlike other teams that are well-behind though, the citizens at least have a decent shot of coming back and advancing based on how they performed at home this year.
Don't miss the Champions League action from City of Manchester Stadium at 2:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
Champions League Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool +458
Manchester City -192
Draw +368
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
Odds Analysis
Manchester City deserves to be a large favorite coming into this match. They ripped Liverpool 5-0 at home early on in the season and have been unstoppable here. Although the cities are just 35 miles apart, playing at home will give the Citizens a significant boost.
First Leg
Mo Salah stole the show in the first leg. Salah has been the catalyst to Liverpool’s surge this season and is set to finish as the EPL’s leading goal scorer this season. He got the ball rolling early on with a goal in the 12th minute after setting up Roberto Firmino following a long run. Salah was in the right place at the right time and sent the home side into delirium with the goal.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was next on the scoresheet, as the former Arsenal man controlled a hard pass well and blasted a rocket past an outstretched Ederson to double the pleasure for the Reds.
The final score was once again a product of some good play by Salah. His chip gave two Liverpool players a chance at goal, and Sadio Mane made the most of it to put Liverpool up 3-0 after just 32 minutes.
Injuries to Watch
It wasn’t all roses for Liverpool though. The Reds suffered a scare early in the second half when Salah had to be substituted off. He gave the indication that everything was okay and it was more of a precautionary measure, but there is no official word yet and he is still being evaluated.
Liverpool is hoping that Emre Can and Nathaniel Clyne will be available for this one though. Can is a hard-nosed defensive midfielder that does a solid job of getting players off the ball. His presence would be particularly felt.
The Citizens don’t have any player that has been ruled definitively out for this match, but two are questionable to play. Benjamin Mendy and Sergio Aguero have both been dealing with issues and are considered questionable for this match. Manchester City would really love it if Aguero were able to return, as his nose for goal would really come in handy with such a large deficit to overcome.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Liverpool is in an enviable spot. The club is up 3-0, and a single goal would likely be too much for Manchester City to overcome because of the away goals rule.
However, Manchester City have been superb at home this season, and they won’t be shut out again. The midfield is too strong and there is too much firepower up for Liverpool to continue to hold up at the back with a questionable defense.
This is going to be a fun one. Manchester City is going to score and create a myriad of chances in picking up the win. It won’t be enough to advance, but the club just needs to win to cash for bettors.
Champions League Odds: Manchester City 3, Liverpool 1
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