Wednesday 27 April 2016 13:42, UK
Manchester City managed to come away from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid with a clean sheet and Paul Dickov thinks they are in a strong position ahead of the return match in Madrid.
Dickov has been impressed with the way City have transformed their performances in Europe after failing to get past the round of 16 in their last four attempts.
"I thought it was a really good result for City last night," Dickov told Sky Sports News HQ. "City have been guilty in previous seasons of being a little bit naive in Europe, maybe going a bit too gung-ho.
"Against Real Madrid last night it was imperative they kept a clean sheet and going over to the Bernabeu next week I really do fancy City to score with the players they've got in their team."
Real Madrid were unlucky not to score but City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart was in fine form - keeping Pepe out from just six yards from what looked like a certain goalscoring opportunity.
"He's been outstanding, he made two world-class saves last night and I have said before I regard Joe as one of the three or four best 'keepers in the world," Dickov said.
The ex-City forward is confident his old side can progress and has tipped them to come up against future manager Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich in the final, saying "it's written in the stars".
"If you look at City's results in Europe this season, the five away games they've had I think they've scored 10 goals so that just shows you the way the way they set up away from home, hitting teams on the counter attack - it really suits how they play," Dickov added.
"If City can be nice and solid, the likes of Yaya Toure and Kevin De Bruyne, who's been in great form, and obviously Sergio Aguero are a real threat.
"The one thing I can see City doing is scoring and I really fancy them and I think it's written in the stars for a Bayern Munich and Manchester City final."
Manuel Pellegrini will be aware his side must keep an eye on their league form as they look to secure their place in the top four this Sunday when they play an in-form Southampton, live on Sky Sports 1.
