City to avoid usual pitfalls against Atlético
Atlético Madrid come to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening, looking to take what on the face of it looks like an unlikely result back with them from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter final tie with Manchester City. The hosts have lost just once in four months across three competitions as Pep Guardiola's charges enter a decisive fortnight in their season's fortunes. Read our preview here:
Following fashion
Guardiola has been bullish in his press conference ahead of the match, stating that his side will change tactics to deal with their combative opponents, who knocked out rivals Manchester United in the previous round. Rúben Dias and Cole Palmer are set to be the only absentees from the squad, so expect to see Phil Foden in a false nine role flanked by Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish. The latter just signed a deal with fashion brand Gucci, but will be hoping to make his style on the pitch count against a suspect Atléti backline.
Felix the cat
Meanwhile, Diego Simeone's men have recovered from a decidedly poor first half of their campaign, winning the last six on the bounce in La Liga to haul themselves level on points with both Barcelona and Sevilla. However, they lost regular centre back José Giménez at the weekend due to injury, which could put them under more pressure. João Félix was unplayable at times in that victory over Alaves, and more magic will be required from him when his teammates do win the ball back.
Betting tip
There's no doubt that Atlético Madrid can hurt Man City if the hosts show the same lack of nous as United did over their two legs, but that seems a remote possibility. Casumo have odds of 3.27 for a home win with both teams scoring.
