The Champions League semi-final line-up will be confirmed at the close of Wednesday’s play and there is still the real possibility of having two Premier League teams in the shake up.
However, both English sides still have work to do before they can dream of being crowned European champions this season.
Manchester City are locked level at 3-3 with Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid ahead of their second leg showdown from the Etihad, while Arsenal are also embroiled in a tightly-knit encounter with German giants Bayern following their 2-2 stalemate at the Emirates.
- Manchester City to win & both teams to score vs Real Madrid
- Vinicius Junior to score or assist v Manchester City
- Bayern Munich to beat Arsenal
City Can Edge Thriller
City and Real Madrid shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller at the Bernabeu last Tuesday and the entertainment should come thick and fast when they renew their rivalry at the Etihad.
These two European stalwarts will be getting used to one another’s company, having locked horns seven times in the Champions League since February 2020 alone.
City have won four of those seven meetings including all three at home and, having run riot 4-0 when hosting Real in last season’s semi-final second leg, will rightly fancy their chances.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won their last 12 home fixtures in the Champions League, although keeping this ruthless Real attack at bay will be easier said than done.
If there is a flaw in this formidable City outfit then it is without question in defence, especially if the pace of Kyle Walker cannot be called upon from the off.
Both teams have scored in eight of City’s nine Champions League outings this season while they have managed only two clean sheets in their last ten matches in all competitions, suggesting that the Spaniards can bag a consolation.
MAN CITY TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
Junior Poses Greatest Threat
Real have an array of attacking stars at their disposal, with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo two of those threats, but it is Vinicius Junior that may have the biggest influence on proceedings.
The Brazilian failed to get on the scoresheet in last week’s 3-3 draw but he did assist Real’s final two goals, taking his tally to two goals and three assists from six meetings with the Citizens.
Vinicius rarely disappoints on the big stage and, having netted three goals and four assists from six Champions League appearances this season, he could play a starring role in Manchester.
VINICIUS JUNIOR TO SCORE OR ASSIST
Bavarians To Seal The Deal
Arsenal’s Premier League title bid suffered a setback with Sunday’s 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa and their Champions League challenge could come to an end with defeat away at Bayern.
It is advantage to the Germans after last week’s 2-2 draw at the Emirates, where the Gunners required a 75th-minute equaliser from Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal had more possession and the better of the chances but Bayern will feel those statistics can be reversed at the Allianz Arena, where they have won 19 of their last 23 Champions League home games.
Mikel Arteta’s visitors were way below their best in the opening leg and against Villa and with star midfielder Martin Odegaard a doubt, they may struggle to keep tabs on the Germans.
