Champions League Quarterfinal Preview 4-6-21

Real Madrid v. Liverpool

Today’s primary game features a battle between two of the most injury riddled squads left in European competition. Both teams will be deploying a makeshift backline as Real Madrid will be without captain Sergio Ramos, who recently picked up an injury on international duty, and Raphael Varane who has now tested positive for Covid-19. Liverpool’s injury crisis at centre back has been known for months now as Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez remain out for the season with ligament tears. The battle today will be in the midfield where both teams have strong box-to-box players as well as anchoring defensive midfielders, Casemiro and Fabinho, who will defend the backline from attack for their respective clubs. Liverpool has chosen Naby Keita over Thiago in the midfield in an interesting lineup move from bench boss Jurgen Klopp. Both teams will run the 4-3-3 tonight in what many anticipate to be a high scoring affair. It is tough to pick a winner here but with the injuries to both teams defenses I will bank on each teams' front 3 finding a way through to goal.

The Bet: Both Teams to Score

Prediction: Real Madrid 1-1 Liverpool

Manchester City v. Borussia Dortmund

The secondary feature today in the Champions League pits two teams trending in opposite directions against each other. Manchester City is arguably the best club football team in the world right now and their sterling record in all competitions is proof. The boys from the Etihad have only lost 1 game since November and are running away with the Premier League title. Dortmund, on the other hand, is in absolute shambles and is in serious danger of missing out on the top-4 in the Bundesliga. If it weren’t for their leading center forward, Erling Braut Haaland, Dortmund would be far lower in the German table. Tonight Man City will use a 4-2-3-1 which is a slight change from their typical 4-3-3. Pep Guardiola has made an interesting move in starting Bernanrdo Silva at the center forward position and leaving both Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero on the bench. Dortmund will run out with a 4-3-3 with Haaland as the focal point through which all the offense will flow. Dortmund have little chance in keeping this one close and Man City’s form is destined to continue tonight in Europe.

The Bet: Manchester City to Cover 1.5 Goals

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Dortmund