CITY’S DATE WITH HOTSHOT HAALAND
CHRIS SUTTON’S GUIDE TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS
MAN CITY v B DORTMUND
WHILE all eyes are on Erling Haaland, let’s not forget about Jadon Sancho facing his former club. This is a dangerous draw for City and they have exited the competition at this stage three years in a row. That will play on their mind. Still, as good as Dortmund’s attack is, I’ll back City to make it through.
REAL MADRID v LIVERPOOL
STOP Karim Benzema and there’s a good chance you stop Real Madrid. Luka Modric is 35, Sergio Ramos is 34 and Toni Kroos is 31. They’re getting on, this lot, and they’re third in La Liga. Liverpool can win this despite their own struggles. The question is: which Liverpool turns up? They have just been so inconsistent this season.
BAYERN MUNICH v PSG
I MAKE Bayern favourites to win the Champions League. They’ve got that swagger. They’ve been there, done it, got the 2020 winners’ t-shirts. We’re forever reminded that Ligue 1 is a one-horse race, but PSG are struggling to win it this season. They have fabulous players, but Bayern are such a unit and will fancy their chances here.
PORTO v CHELSEA
HAD you offered this tie to Thomas Tuchel before the draw, he’d have snapped your hands off. Porto? Yes please. Then Real Madrid or Liverpool in the semis, rather than City, Bayern or PSG? Yes please, again! Defensively, Chelsea are so good. If they can start scoring a few more goals, they’ll do serious damage.
First legs: April 6-7; second legs: April 13-14. Team listed first play first leg at home.
SEMI FINAL 1: BAYERN MUNICH/ PSG v MAN CITY/B DORTMUND SEMI FINAL 2: REAL MADRID/ LIVERPOOL v PORTO/CHELSEA