Can Manchester City finally win the Champions League this season?

Since Pep Guardiola’s arrival in England, Manchester City has undoubtedly gone up a level or two in terms of their overall play and the all-around stature of the club. The Citizens are now regarded as one of European football’s main threats, despite failing to get their hands on that elusive UEFA Champions League prize. This season, though, Pep Guardiola’s side appears to be more than up for the challenge.

Should the Citizens get past a tricky encounter against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the competition, then no side left will relish coming against Pep Guardiola’s talented team. Of course, there are strong sides left in the competition alongside City, with many fans backing the likes of Bayern Munich and Premier League title rivals Liverpool in the Champions League betting stakes, but this time it does feel like it could finally be Manchester City’s moment. Although fans and pundits have felt the same in previous campaigns, there appear to be some additional factors that could help get Guardiola’s troops over the line this season.

Motivation higher than ever before

After losing in the final to English rivals Chelsea last season, Manchester City will be desperate to make up for it. Given the club’s emphatic performances in the competition this season already, motivation appears to be higher than it ever has been. Make no mistake about it, Guardiola’s free-flowing outfit has been mesmerizing to watch at times, especially since the return of Kevin De Bruyne from injury.

The Belgian midfielder is a key cog in City’s wheel and was undoubtedly a huge miss when he went off injured in the final against Chelsea last campaign. The disappointment from last season appears to be fuelling Manchester City’s impressive showing, especially when you factor in Pep Guardiola’s evident desire to finally deliver club football’s major prize to the blue side of Manchester.

Until the club manages to lift the Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s project will have ultimately failed. With a motivated manager and an immensely talented squad aiming to make up for last season’s missed opportunity, Manchester City is in a strong position to win the prize they so evidently crave.

Phil Foden now capable of delivering on the biggest stage

Alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva is a hugely talented Englishman in Phil Foden. Of course, we have all heard about Foden’s undoubted potential for a while now, but this season the City Academy graduate appears to be maturing further.

One of the first names on the team sheet, Foden has put his disappointing Euros showing with England behind him and is leading City’s charge to the top of European football. The talented youngster is growing with every game and appears more than up for the challenge of carrying Manchester City.

Foden is far from the finished article, but it’s impossible to ignore the evident progress he has made this season. As such, with an on-song Foden within their ranks, City appears to be even stronger.

Not many sides in the competition can contain City

With the likes of PSG and Juventus dropping out of the competition, Manchester City’s chances of seeing their formidable attack being stifled have lessened somewhat. Sides such as Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich would provide a stern test for Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing, attacking side, but it would require a massive effort, particularly over two legs.

Ultimately, City appears to be on course for the final; it’s just whether or not they have the know-how and the mental strength to avoid falling at the last hurdle. Given the devastating loss in the final last season, the Citizens are on a mission.

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