Liverpool v Manchester City: UCL Match Preview

Liverpool are the only side to have beaten City in the Premier League this season.

Jurgen Klopp says it is not about being “the best team” when it comes to Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City on Wednesday, but that preparation will be key.

Klopp said:

“We wanted to go as far as possible in this competition, and so it was clear at one point you have to face the best teams in the world.

“That’s how it is, there’s no easy game, no easy opponent or this stage, they’re all difficult to play and now we have Man City, who are a special team.”

Liverpool only have Dejan Lovren and Virgil can Dijk as the centre-back options in the senior team. Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez are all sidelined. Emre Can and Adam Lallana are the injured midfielders.

City will continue to be without striker Sergio Aguero due to injury. Fabian Delph is available after recovering from an injury that has ruled him out since February and centre-back John Stones will be available again after a head injury.

Opta stats

Liverpool and Manchester City will meet for the 179th time in all competitions, but this will be their first meeting in European competition.
Jurgen Klopp has won five matches against Pep Guardiola in all competition – more than any other manager, with two of these victories coming as Liverpool manager (in four attempts).
Liverpool have not lost a home match in European competition since October 2014 and are now unbeaten in 14 European games at Anfield (W9 D5 L0)