England FA Cup Semi-finals, 16-17 April

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Manchester City vs Liverpool Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester City:
Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Laporte, Ake; Silva, Rodri, Gundogan; Jesus, Sterling, Grealish

Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz

Manchester City and Liverpool renew their hostilities in the semi-finals of the FA Cup at Wembley. Just one week ago the two sides played out an eventful 2:2 draw in the Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium. The Citizens took an early lead through Kevin de Bruyne's deflected strike, but the Reds were quickly on terms when Diogo Jota turned home Trent Alexander-Arnold's pass. City restored the lead in the finish of the first half when Gabriel Jesus found the back of the net from Joao Cancelo's cross. Liverpool equalized in the 46th minute when Sadio Mane celebrated his 30th birthday by scoring from Mohamed Salah's fine pass. Both sides pressed for a winner and Liverpool were lucky not to concede as Raheem Sterling had a goal ruled out for offside, while Riyad Mahrez wasted a clear chance to win it in the dying seconds.

Both teams were busy during the midweek. Manchester City remain unbeaten at Wanda Metropolitano, and secured the semi-finals of the Champions League. Kevin De Bruyne's winner in the first leg was enough for the Citizens for progress and they will face Real Madrid on the way to the final. Pep Guardiola's men are also good in the Premier League, they are leaders on the table. But now about the FA Cup, Manchester City have eliminated Swindon Town, Fulham, Peterborough United and Southampton in the previous stage of the competition. Guardiola has some injury worries for the match against Liverpool. Phil Foden suffered a head injury against Atletico, while Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne suffered ankle injuries on the same match. They are all rated as doubtful for the Wembley trip alongside Cole Palmer. Ruben Dias was fit enough to make the bench at the Wanda Metropolitano and most probably he will start here.

Liverpool have also secured the semi-finals of the Champions League after eliminating Benfica. They had 3:1 from the first leg played in Lisbon, so the 3:3 draw at Anfield was enough to see them progressing. Liverpool controlled the match, though Benfica produced lot of issues to Alisson. Never before have Liverpool managed to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League in one season. Liverpool are also involved into the title fight, even though they will be relying on Manchester City dropping points to have a chance. However, the FA Cup is a priority now. Klopp's men have knocked out Shrewsbury Town, Cardiff, Norwich and Nottingham in the previous phase of the competition to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2014-15 season. Klopp has no injury or suspension worries after his players came through the second leg with Benfica unscathed. Defenders Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were rested during the midweek, which means they should feature from the first minute here.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Prediction:

I expect Manchester City to qualify for the final. There is a huge possibility this game to produce extra-time, maybe even the penalties, so that's why I am suggesting this option. Guardiola has only one trophy in the FA Cup, in 2018-19 season, so I am sure his players will enter the match fully motivated. City are unbeaten on the last 10 matches in all competitions, so the players confidence is high. Liverpool showed some defensive issues against Benfica on Wednesday when conceded three goals at Anfield. The Reds were lucky not to concede more. And the key reason for my pick is the Reds inferiority against the Citizens. Liverpool have now gone five games without a win versus Man City.

Manchester City vs Liverpool Pick: Manchester City to qualify @ 1.80 with Bet365