Manchester City basically waved the white flag at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night and, without Erling Haaland, lacked belief against Real Madrid from the off.
Let’s be frank, it was a shambolic performance from Pep Guardiola’s side, with a real lack of intensity.
Part of the pickle City found themselves in was down to the way Pep had set them up.
I don’t know how many times Abdukodir Khusanov had played at right-back before, but it cannot be many, and the combination of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan in central midfield alongside Nico Gonzalez just didn’t work. They didn’t have the legs to cope with Real.
It ended up being really disappointing as a contest. Real were always favourites but when City lose, you at least expect them to go down fighting.
Instead, it was over after less than five minutes. They never believed they could win and how many times have you said that about a Pep team?
Liverpool had a tricky time of it against Villa in midweek but they must think they can get at this City side too.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-3
Bradley’s prediction: I don’t know about this one – it is such a huge and exciting game. City have got something to prove against Liverpool and although they had a bad result against Real, they did not look short of confidence against Newcastle. Liverpool are consistent at the moment, in terms of not being beaten, but their form is not exactly phenomenal either.
Until a couple of weeks ago, I would have looked at the form Liverpool were in and thought it was all swinging in their favour, but City are much better now than when they lost at Anfield in December.
City are going to come out really, really strong, like they did against Newcastle, but if they sit back, I feel like Liverpool will get back into the game. I’m going for a draw. 2-2
