Charlie Nicholas’ European predictions: Manchester City to just fall short against Liverpool

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his European predictions as Manchester City look to overturn Liverpool’s commanding first-leg advantage in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

The Reds recorded a 3-0 victory at Anfield to make themselves favourites to reach the semi-finals, while Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also all in strong positions ahead of their respective second-leg clashes.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have a commanding advantage in their Europa League quarter-final tie, but can any of the underdogs launch second-leg comebacks?

Here’s what Charlie is predicting for the five fixtures…

Manchester City (0) v (3) Liverpool (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

I think we’re going to get drama and I can see my good friend Phil Thompson being on the edge of his seat next to me in the Soccer Special studio.

I don’t think City will do it though because I see Liverpool scoring. You could see at the weekend again against United that City are defensively vulnerable when they have to take risks.

This is all about Liverpool scoring one goal to turn City’s need into score five and it will be a major boost if Mohamed Salah is fit.

I could see City getting 2-0 up because they should have been out of sight by half-time against United, but as they get desperate I expect Liverpool’s attacking pace on the counter to see them safe.

Charlie predicts: 3-1 and Sterling to score first (30/1 with Sky Bet)

Roma (1) v (4) Barcelona (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

This is a game where Barcelona might actually rest one or two, although they don’t tend to take that sort of risk.

Roma look a big price at nearly 4/1 at home as you can still get at Barcelona’s defence, with Gerard Pique potentially rested and the chopping and changing of their full-backs.

I fancy Edin Dzeko to get on the scoresheet again but I can’t see Barca really being stressed in this game with such a healthy lead.

Charlie predicts: 2-1 and Dzeko to score first (55/1 with Sky Bet)

Bayern Munich (2) v (1) Sevilla (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Bayern are in imposing form, securing the title at the weekend and they’ve got the bit between their teeth right now.

It is remarkable what Jupp Heynckes is bringing to them and the last time he walked away at the end of the season, he did so with the treble.

I actually think they’re the team that the other sides will want to avoid the most in Friday’s draw and there’s no doubt that they’ll be in it, even if Sevilla are an unpredictable side.

Charlie predicts: 3-0 Arjen Robben to score first (22/1 with Sky Bet)

Real Madrid (3) v (0) Juventus (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

This is done and dusted, but Juventus won’t want to turn up and get embarrassed. Their season was geared to winning the Champions League and they’ll want to salvage some pride.

However, this is also all Real Madrid are focused on and Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to play as he builds another record.

I see it being an open game and perhaps a few of the supporting acts getting on the scoresheet.

Charlie predicts: 1-1 and Isco to score first (45/1 with Sky Bet)

CSKA Moscow (1) – (4) Arsenal (Thursday, 8.05pm)

CSKA Moscow had a Monday game so they are getting squeezed a bit, whereas Arsene Wenger has kept plenty of his best players fresh.

I was very surprised with the amount of changes he made at the weekend, but it obviously shows that Wenger is taking this seriously – not that he has much of an option with the top-four race done and dusted.

I never trust this defence and have no idea who the best defensive partnership are, but Arsenal should have enough to get the job done.

Then hopefully they can avoid Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals. Either way they need to show character until the end of the season and build momentum because confidence isn’t a tap you can just turn on and off.

Charlie predicts: 2-2 and Ramsey to score first (70/1 with Sky Bet)

(c) Sky News 2018: Charlie Nicholas’ European predictions: Manchester City to just fall short against Liverpool