Quarterfinals Fan Preview: Manchester City

Manchester City prepare for a blockbuster all-English tie with Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side, and will be hoping to better their efforts of previous seasons in Europe as Guardiola’s men look to do the unprecedented quadruple.

The word ‘quadruple’ is usually used in passing until a team inevitably falls in one competition due to Christmas or New Year fixture congestion, but this time it is used seriously. City have the best chance of anyone in history to complete the quadruple, which harshly doesn’t count the Community Shield win, as Guardiola pointed out in his pre-match press conference.

After a hectic month or so of relentless action in the Premier League followed by a hard fought FA Cup semi final win at Wembley, the focus turns to the Champions League. The big-eared trophy has escaped City in this golden era thus far, but they are the bookies favourites this time and will look to put the ghosts of Monaco and Liverpool behind them.

In my last 16 preview I predicted an easy City win over Schalke, and although I was right, I didn’t foresee the Etihad dismantling of the German side, where City hit seven goals. Things will be much harder for City this time, perhaps showing the difference in class between the Premier League and Bundesliga that Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl spoke of last week.