The Champions League returns on Tuesday night with the first leg of the quarter-final stage as Liverpool face Benfica & Man City host Atletico Madrid.
Sign up to BoyleSports in the UK & GET £20 FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10! T&Cs apply
Sign up to BoyleSports in Ireland & GET €40 FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET €10! T&Cs apply
Natalie Sawyer has warned Manchester City not to ignore the attacking threat posed by Atletico Madrid ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Manchester City v Atletico Madrid
Pep Guardiola’s side host the Spanish champions at the Etihad on Tuesday night and Sawyer told BoyleSports the visitors’ attack must be respected, despite Atletico’s reputation for strong defensive performances.
“There is more quality in the Manchester City side than Manchester United, so they can take a lead into the second leg,” she said.
“But as much as we always talk about the defensive side and what we expect from a Diego Simeone team, it’s important not to fall into the trap of that’s just how they play. Because they can score goals, this is a side with Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez and Joao Felix. They do have strong attacking options.
“Pep Guardiola will also have to decide who he wants to rest for the weekend clash with Liverpool, so the starting line-up will be fascinating.”
Benfica v Liverpool
Sawyer also expects Liverpool to have one eye on Sunday’s title showdown in the Premier League as they make the trip to Benfica for the opening leg of their quarter-final tie.
“It won’t be easy at this stage of the Champions League and Benfica will pose a threat through Darwin Nunez, who has 25 goals this season and he’s only 22. They’ve scored in every game this year and he’s really someone to look out for.
“Liverpool weren’t at their free-flowing best against Watford either, but after the international break you can be a bit rusty and they got the job done, that’s all that matters at this stage of the season.
“When you have Manchester City coming up at the weekend, Jurgen Klopp may want to rotate to protect Mo Salah, so it might make sense to play Luis Diaz. But the attacking options he has are amazing, you’re guaranteed goals whatever selection he makes.”
Remember, always gamble responsibly. Here's our Safer Gambling Guide.
PLAY FANTASY5 TO WIN £/€10,000 & PRIZES EACH WEEK/MONTH! T&Cs APPLY
BOOST OR INSURE? MAKE YOUR CHOICE ON YOUR ACCA RIGHT HERE! T&Cs APPLY
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Sawyer is one of the leading names in TV and Radio sports broadcasting, currently providing analysis as a Football Ambassador for BoyleSports.
A lifelong Brentford fan, she boasts a glittering CV which includes prestigious football podcast The Game and an 18-year stint at Sky Sports where she anchored Sky Sports News’ rolling coverage of the world of sport.
Nowadays Natalie’s insight is showcased on the airwaves in her role as an award-winning host on talkSPORT.
Keep up to date with Natalie’s latest analysis on our Twitter.
Sign up to BoyleSports in the UK & GET £20 FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10! T&Cs apply
Sign up to BoyleSports in Ireland & GET €40 FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET €10! T&Cs apply
Natalie Sawyer has warned Manchester City not to ignore the attacking threat posed by Atletico Madrid ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Manchester City v Atletico Madrid
? Man City take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the #UCL quarter-final on Tuesday night.
— BoyleSports (@BoyleSports) April 4, 2022""
? Guardiola or Simeone...who'll prevail, @nataliesawyer?
Bet ? https://t.co/T4NGo16K4Z#MCIATM #MCFC #AtleticoMadrid @BoyleSportsLB pic.twitter.com/8PSW3qnSTG
Pep Guardiola’s side host the Spanish champions at the Etihad on Tuesday night and Sawyer told BoyleSports the visitors’ attack must be respected, despite Atletico’s reputation for strong defensive performances.
“There is more quality in the Manchester City side than Manchester United, so they can take a lead into the second leg,” she said.
“But as much as we always talk about the defensive side and what we expect from a Diego Simeone team, it’s important not to fall into the trap of that’s just how they play. Because they can score goals, this is a side with Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez and Joao Felix. They do have strong attacking options.
“Pep Guardiola will also have to decide who he wants to rest for the weekend clash with Liverpool, so the starting line-up will be fascinating.”
Benfica v Liverpool
Sawyer also expects Liverpool to have one eye on Sunday’s title showdown in the Premier League as they make the trip to Benfica for the opening leg of their quarter-final tie.
?️ "Liverpool will have to be at their best, they've got some real talent!"
— BoyleSports (@BoyleSports) April 4, 2022""
? Benfica host Liverpool in the #UCL quarter-final stage on Tuesday night.
? Check out @nataliesawyer's thoughts & predictions ?
Bet ? https://t.co/pf5yx0IGcm#SLBLIV #LFC #YNWA @BoyleSportsLB pic.twitter.com/tqHoAKregN
“It won’t be easy at this stage of the Champions League and Benfica will pose a threat through Darwin Nunez, who has 25 goals this season and he’s only 22. They’ve scored in every game this year and he’s really someone to look out for.
“Liverpool weren’t at their free-flowing best against Watford either, but after the international break you can be a bit rusty and they got the job done, that’s all that matters at this stage of the season.
“When you have Manchester City coming up at the weekend, Jurgen Klopp may want to rotate to protect Mo Salah, so it might make sense to play Luis Diaz. But the attacking options he has are amazing, you’re guaranteed goals whatever selection he makes.”
Remember, always gamble responsibly. Here's our Safer Gambling Guide.
PLAY FANTASY5 TO WIN £/€10,000 & PRIZES EACH WEEK/MONTH! T&Cs APPLY
BOOST OR INSURE? MAKE YOUR CHOICE ON YOUR ACCA RIGHT HERE! T&Cs APPLY
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Sawyer is one of the leading names in TV and Radio sports broadcasting, currently providing analysis as a Football Ambassador for BoyleSports.
A lifelong Brentford fan, she boasts a glittering CV which includes prestigious football podcast The Game and an 18-year stint at Sky Sports where she anchored Sky Sports News’ rolling coverage of the world of sport.
Nowadays Natalie’s insight is showcased on the airwaves in her role as an award-winning host on talkSPORT.
Keep up to date with Natalie’s latest analysis on our Twitter.