After Liverpool's mesmerizing first-half display in the 1st Leg; Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Sadio Mane all but confirmed a place into the semi-finals.
But when the pair last met at The Etihad, it was Man City who put 5 past their opponents after Mane was sent off and Liverpool played with 10-men for nearly the entire game. So, if there is a team who can beat Liverpool if the odds are stacked against them, its Man City.
MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City has to win this game and have to outscore their opponents by 4 goals or more if they want to progress through.
Their manager Pep Guardiola is going through his most difficult spell as a City manager after conceding 3 goals each in his last 2 games, most recently in their 2-3 defeat against rivals Man United.
But, this is a whole new game and the manager will have all the shackles off and ensure that his team puts in their best-attacking performance this season, irrespective of the end result.
Most of the first team players namely; Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker, John Stones & Sergio Aguero were rested from starting the derby defeat and are all fit to feature tonight.
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool is in the driving seat as anything less than a 3-goal deficit will guarantee them a place in the semi-finals.
Their manager Jurgen Klopp will have the team ready to put in their best ever defensive performance of the season and will be ready for all threats that City will pose in front of goal.
Most of their first team players were also rested for their 0-0 draw against their rivals Everton in the PL. But most importantly, they will be thrilled to welcome back their injured lot.
Mohamed Salah (groin) who limped off from the 1st leg victory is expected to start along with left-fullbacks Andrew Robertson (calf) and Alberto Moreno (thigh).
Roberto Firmino was also rested but came on as a substitute is also expected to start.
Liverpool's absentees include Emre Can (back), Jordan Henderson (suspension), Adam Lallana (muscle), Joel Matip (thigh) and Joe Gomez (ankle)
Match Statistics:
Manchester City has lost just one of their last 13 UCL home games.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has picked up 6 victories against Pep Guardiola in his managerial career, more than any other manager.
Man City have won just once in their 9 encounters against Liverpool, but notably, it was the 5-0 victory earlier this season at The Etihad in the PL.
Liverpool is undefeated on the road in the UCL this season with 2 wins and 2 draws in their 4 away games this campaign.
Guardiola has lost in both UCL knockout ties just once, in the 2013/14 semi-finals as Bayern Much manager against Real Madrid.
But, Liverpool has been prolific in front of goal this season, outscoring all sides with 32.
Liverpool's fab 3 of Salah-Firmino-Mane have managed to score 21 UCL goals this season with each player getting 7 a-piece.
Man City's highest scorers are Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling, both tied with 4 goals a-piece in the UCL but tonight it will be down to the crucial goals scored.
FORMATIONS
Manchester City
City's best chance of picking up a win is if the manager begins with both Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero up front and the best way to do it is through the 3-5-2 formation.
The three most important players in that formation to supply the creativity would be Leroy Sane, David Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne.
Sane can supply the width down the left and will be supported by Aymeric Laporte who is naturally left-footed to assist defensively which could also transform the formation to a 4-4-2 if needed.
Liverpool
Liverpool executed a new-look 3-5-2 in the PL this weekend to perfection managing to keep the Everton attack at bay and can do the same tonight.
Firmino will start after being rested along with Salah who will make his comeback from injury.
Mane should be kept among the substitutes to accommodate a defensive or midfield player at the back.
The main test will once again come for young right fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold against Leroy Sane. He managed to keep Sane quiet at Anfield but it would be entirely different at The Etihad.
He needs to have support either through the returning Nathaniel Clyne or center back Ragnar Klavan who was decent on Saturday. Clyne's inclusion could see Arnold doubling up on Sane to keep him at bay.
Prediction:
Manchester City (3-1) Liverpool
This is one contest where anything can happen, Liverpool can turn by putting in their best defensive performance of the season and withstand Man City's attack or City could take Liverpool apart by their dazzling display.
It will be extra motivation for Liverpool who will look to make it to the semi-finals in nearly a decade and attempt to win it all!
City's big match stars will have to rise up to the occasion if they wish to progress into the semi-final and achieve what now seems the impossible!
By far, this is going to be the most exciting UCL fixture since last season when Barcelona overcame PSG to chase them down from 4 goals down to win 6-5 on aggregate. Can Man City do it?
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