Premier League leaders Manchester City takes on current La Liga Champions, Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League Quarter Final tie. Who will take an advantage going into the second leg? Read our free predictions and betting picks for the game here.
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Bookmaker Ratings prediction one: Handicap – Atletico Madrid (+1.5) – 1.73
Bookmaker Ratings prediction two: Full-Time Result – Draw – 4.6
.@PepTeam shares his thoughts ahead of our #UCL clash! ??#ManCity pic.twitter.com/0wx4FewsIT
— Manchester City (@ManCity)
Handicap – Atletico Madrid (+1.5)
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are known for making things difficult for their opponents. At times this season Manchester City have looked unstoppable but in recent games the Cityzens have been held to 0-0 draws against Crystal Palace (away) and Sporting Lisbon (home).
Man City might have also have one eye on their pivotal league clash against Liverpool on Sunday. We favour the draw, but either way we believe this game will be tight and can’t see City winning by any more than a goal.
Match to be a draw
As above, Man City have been held to 0-0 draws in recent matches although in the match against Sporting, City was 5-0 up from the first leg.
It is possible that the Cityzens have one eye on Liverpool and potentially finishing off their title hopes on Sunday, while Atletico might be happy coming away with a draw with all to play for in the return leg at home.
Preliminary review and match prediction for Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid
Man City are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, however, the competition hasn’t been particularly strong and they will likely face their sternest test in a while versus Atletico.
Whether Pep Guardiola makes changes with Sunday’s potential title decider against Liverpool in mind remains to be seen.
City defeated Burnley 2-0 away from home on Saturday thanks to early goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan to stay top of the Premier League. De Bruyne and Phil Foden were both substituted off possibly with Atletico Madrid in mind.
Atletico have won six straight games in all competitions including a 1-0 defeat of City’s rivals Manchester United in the last round to seal another quick trip to the Northwest of England.
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— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish)
The Colchoneros found goalscoring form on Saturday night as they defeated La Liga’s bottom side, Alaves 4-1.
Though City will undoubtedly pose a lot more of a threat, Atletico boss, Diego Simeone, has been given some food for thought up front as both Joao Felix and 61st minute substitute Luis Suarez notched braces.
Prior to this Atletico won their two previous matches in all competitions 1-0 including the win over Man United.
This game is likely to be less free scoring as Atletico might opt to keep things tight and try to win the tie at home, while Man City must keep Sunday’s Liverpool match in mind.
Safe Bets
Under 3.5 goals is priced at 1.4 and despite Atletico’s exploits on the weekend this could be the way to go. Apart from the weekend, seven of Atletico’s last eight matches have all had under 3.5 goals, while five out of City’s last seven have also been under that line.
Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid Team News
Ruben Dias is the only absence for City. Kyle Walker is back after serving a suspension. Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez may return to the starting line-up here.
Atletico’s Jose Gimenez will not make the trip to Manchester after his injury against Alaves. Yannick Carrasco is available after suspension. After his brace on the weekend Suarez is competing with Antoine Griezmann to partner Joao Felix up front.
Possible Starting Lineups
Manchester City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo, De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Mahrez, Foden, Grealish
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Vrsaljko, Savic, Felipe, Reinildo, Llorente, Kondogbia, Koke, Carrasco, Joao Felix, Suarez
Highlighted Player – Joao Felix
The young Portuguese has scored eight goals in his last nine games going back to mid-February including one in the 1-1 draw against Man United in the first leg of the last round. Goals against the City defence will be hard to come by but after notching a brace on the weekend, he will go into this match full of confidence.
Most popular FAQ for Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid
Who won the last meeting between these clubs?
These sides have not faced each other in the Champions League before.
Where will this fixture be played?
This fixture will be played at Etihad Stadium.
Which bookmaker has the best odds for this game?
We recommend checking out the odds at William Hill for Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid.
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