Manchester City have sent out an early statement of intent to their Champions League competitors after securing a 5-0 away win in their Round of 16 first leg clash with Sporting Lisbon.
Goals from Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva (2), Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling have all but confirmed the Sky Blues' place in the quarter-final stage of the competition, as Pep Guardiola's side go in search of a first European Cup.
City are the current favourites to go all the way in the competition, though Liverpool will fancy their chances of securing silverware.
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The display of the Citizens in Portugal has only strengthened their case for Champions League success, and former City and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes they remain the team to beat.
"It’s his (Guardiola) best team and they’re the best team in the competition," the 41-year-old told BT Sport ahead of Tuesday's comprehensive victory.
"I think he’s just got such a great group of players, they virtually tick every box. Defence, goalkeeper, midfield, so many attacking options - I think right now this is his best group of players. He trusts these players.
"They’re favourites to win this competition. I think these players have delivered time and time again. The margins are fine, we’ve seen that in the Champions League, but I think he backs his players to get the job done this season."
Expanding on Liverpool's chances in the competition, Hargreaves conceded that Jurgen Klopp's side cannot be overlooked either.
He said: "I think Liverpool with Manchester City, for me, they’re the two favourites in the competition.
"Bayern Munich are probably in and around that, then Real Madrid and maybe PSG, but the balance of that team isn’t right. I think the two strongest teams in the competition are Man City and Liverpool. Liverpool have as good a chance as anyone."
Echoing Hargreaves' prediction of City conquering Europe, Rio Ferdinand added: "I’m going to go again with City.
"I just think Pep Guardiola is destined to do it with this football club. They have the players, they know how to win every other competition but this one and I think this year will be the year they get over the final hurdle."
